GIFT   OF 
JANE  K.SATHER 


A  History 

of  the 

Texas  Press  Association 


From  its  Organization  in  Houston 
in  1 880  to  its  Annual  Convention  in 
San  Antonio  in  1913;  to  which  is 
added  the  Proceedings,  condensed,  of 
the  Association  from  the  First  to  the 
Thirty-Fourth  Annual  Convention. 

By 
F.  B.  BAILLIO 

With  two  chapters  covering  the  Thirty-Fifth 
and  Thirty-Sixth  Annual  Conventions 

By 
HENRY  EDWARDS 


To  which  is  also  added 

A  History 

of  the 

Early  Newspapers  of  Texas 

By 

THE  LATE  JUDGE  A.  B.  NORTON 

A  Pioneer  Newspaper  Man 
of  the  State. 

;    .'•','.*.,*         •  •>;•• 
1916 

SOUTHWESTERN  PRINTING  COMPANY-  ,-.  ....     ,  ,     , 
DALLAS,  TEXAS ,  >  ,  ; .  ,  ;  •  *  '. J    >1  '.  •, '.  t    " 


••2x0  W-1 


Copyrighted  by 
TEXAS    PRESS   ASSOCIATION 

1916 
All  Rights  Reserved 


DEDICATION. 

To  the  men  and  women  of  the  Texas 
Press  Association  who  have  been  ever  kind 
to  me,  honoring  me  far  beyond  my  merits 
and  deserts,  this  work,  which  has  been  a 
labor  of  love,  is  respectfully  dedicated. 

F.  B.  BAILLIO. 


370121 


Ferdinand  B.  Baillio 

(Biographical) 


"Were  a  star  quenched  on  high, 

For  ages  would  its  light 
Still  travelling  downward  from  the  sky 

Shine  on  our  mortal  sight. 
So,  when  a  good  man  dies, 

For  years,  beyond  our  ken, 
The  light  he  leaves  behind  him  lies 

Upon  the  paths  of  men." 

NO  sage  nor  seer  can  approximate  the  good  that  flows  on  and 
on  from  the  life  of  a  good  man — from  any -life  whose  guid- 
ing principle  was  love  and  sympathy  and  service  for  one's  fellow- 
men.  There  are  so  many  gems  of  rarest  quality  in  the  noble 
character  of  Colonel  Baillio  that  because  of  inability  to  bring  them 
all  in  review  we  are  tempted  to  cry  out  in  our  poor  effort  to  show 
the  man  as  he  was.  How  shall  we  pick  out  even  the  most  con- 
spicuous of  those  things  throughout  all  the  years  wherein  he 
touched  elbows  with  his  fellows,  those  words  and  deeds  innu- 
merable, that  made  his  life  "rich  in  good  words"  and  blessed 
and  cheered  and  comforted  so  many?  How  shall  we  select  from 
the  garnered  treasure-house  of  his  67  years  of  upright  living 
even  only  the  rarest  jewels  with  which  to  fashion  a  diadem  in 
honor  of  a  life  so  noble?  How  shall  we  weave  together  even  but 
a  few  of  the  sweetest  and  tenderest  of  the  flowers  given  by  his 
fellows,  and  particularly  his  brethren  of  the  press,  in  recognition 
of  truest  worth?  Can  we,  even  within  the  limits  of  more 
generous  space,  and  from  the  riches  of  a  great  character  on  the 
one  hand  and  the  flowers  of  a  large  appreciation  on  the  other, 
portray  his  full  worth  or  symbolize  that  which  made  his  life  so 
loved  and  lovable,  his  death  so  mourned,  his  memory  so  vene- 
rated ? 

5 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"A  great  man  is  dead;  a  good  man  has  been  gathered  to  his 
fathers.  The  news  of  his  death  brought  gloom  into  the  heart 
of  every  newspaper  man  in  Texas :  for  Colonel  Baillio  occupied  a 
portion  in  the  breast  of  every  one  of  them  peculiarly  his  own. 
*  *  *  Always  cheerful  and  an  optimist  in  this  life,  he  advo- 
cated, he  preached,  he  practiced  it  along  life's  way.  His  interest 
in  discouraged  humanity  was  one  of  his  greatest  characteristics. 
In  fact  we  have  heard  him  say  that  his  religion  was  to  love  his 
friends  wholeheartedly  and  to  comfort  the  unfortunate  who  had 
been  tossed  upon  the  waves  of  despair  and  discouragement." — 
Killeen  Herald.  "Ability,  training  and  equipment,  backed  by  de- 
voted loyalty  to  the  best  interests  of  the  people  of  Texas,  made 
Colonel  Baillio's  career  count  for  much.  Yet  he  modestly  claimed 
nothing  for  himself — this  chivalrous,  courteous,  kindly  gentle- 
man, the  Nestor  of  the  Texas  Press." — Dallas  Evening  Journal. 
"It  was  because  he  was  a  newspaper  man  of  ability,  of  training, 
of  sincerity  of  purpose,  and  of  loyalty  to  his  convictions  that 
Colonel  Baillio  will  be  respected  and  venerated,  but  it  was  because 
of  his  kindliness,  his  courtesy,  and  all  the  inestimable  qualities 
that  go  to  make  a  true  gentleman  that  he  will  be  mourned.  Many 
men  achieve  great  works;  few  leave  so  much  love  in  the  world." — 
State  Press  in  Dallas  News.  "Colonel  Baillio  was  a  pleasure  to 
know.  He  was  genial,  whole-souled,  a  man  of  much  informa- 
tion."— Greenville  Banner.  "Early  in  its  beginning  and  to  its 
very  close  his  life  was  one  of  service,  and  through  all  the  years 
he  measured  up  to  the  highest  standards.  He  was  a  most  lov- 
able character,  a  man  whose  friendship  was  treasured  by  all 
who  knew  him." — Rusk  County  News. 

"No  man  was  more  loved  than  he,  for  he  constantly  sought 
to  do  those  things  that  were  helpful  and  promoted  good  will  and 
friendliness.  His  convictions  were  always  pronounced,  founded 
upon  well  defined  arguments.  His  mind  was  a  veritable  store- 
house of  useful  information.  He  stood  for  what  he  believed  to 
be  good  and  beautiful  and  true  and  bravely  defended  what  he 
believed  to  be  right.  *  *  *  His  friends  are  in  the  craft  in  prac- 

6 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

tically  every  state  in  the  Union." — Cleburne  Enterprise.  "Col- 
onel Baillio  was  a  progressive  citizen  and  believed  in  pushing  his 
town,  county  and  State  to  the  front,  using  his  best  efforts  in  his 
paper  and  in  a  private  way  to  get  results.  He  contributed  what 
he  could  to  public  betterments  and  charitable  objects.  He  was  a 
was  of  tender  heart,  *  *  *  Idleness  as  a  trait  never  appealed 
to  him.  *  *  *  The  home  with  him  was  a  haven  of  rest.  He 
never  suffered  the  jangles  of  the  world  to  disturb  the  harmony 
of  his  home  life." — Johnson  County  Review. 

Ferdinand  B.  Baillio  was  born  at  the  village  of  Cocoville, 
Avoyelles  Parish,  La.,  February  6,  1848.  His  father,  Judge 
Gervais  Baillio,  a  descendent  of  one  of  the  original  French  set- 
tlers of  Louisiana,  was  a  prominent  and  leading  citizen  of  the 
Parish  of  Rapides,  and  for  eleven  years  Parish  Judge  of  Avoyelles 
Parish.  His  mother,  whose  maiden  name  was  Rebecca  Leonard, 
was  of  Massachusetts  parentage — old  Pilgrim  stock. 

In  1864  when  young  Baillio  was  but  16,  he  enlisted  in  the 
army  of  the  Southern  Confederacy,  being  assigned  to  Capt. 
Joseph  A.  Benjamin's  company  of  cavalry  and  detailed  as  escort 
to  Maj.  Gen.  S.  B.  Buckner.  In  December  1867  he  left  Louis- 
iana for  Texas,  arriving  on  the  22nd  of  the  month  at  Alvarado, 
Johnson  county. 

On  Feb.  3,  1870  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mattie  M.  Criner, 
daughter  of  Granville  Criner,  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Johnson 
County.  To  this  union  four  children  were  born,  the  last,  a  son, 
dying  in  infancy.  His  three  daughters,  Miss  Sallie  and  Mes- 
dames  Early  Baird  and  M.  L.  Bounds,  all  reside  in  Cleburne. 
His  wife  died  on  Aug.  30,  1914. 

"Like  many  of  the  prominent  men  of  this  country,"  says 
the  Johnson  County  Review,  "he  started  out  as  a  tiller  of  the 
soil  and  worked  himself  up  to  be  one  of  the  best  known  editors 
and  newspaper  writers  in  the  country."  From  a  history  of  pioneer 
families  in  Johnson  county  we  quote  the  following  paragraph 
respecting  Col.  Baillio  to  show  the  handicaps  he  overcame  and 
how,  through  years  of  hard  labor  at  varied  occupations  and  close 

7 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

hard  study,  he  qualified  himself  peculiarly  well  for  his  chosen 
calling  as  an  editor. 

"Leaving  his  parents  when  only  nineteen  years  old,  an  in- 
experienced boy  with  scarcely  any  education — certainly  not  more 
than  is  possessed  now-a-days  by  twelve-year-old  boys, — Mr. 
Baillio's  life  has  been  a  checkered  one.  He  worked  at  anything 
he  could  find — has  been  a  farm  hand,  a  cotton  gin  hand,  a  school 
teacher,  a  farmer,  a  commercial  tourist,  a  merchant,  a  wagoner, 
a  cowboy,  a  farmer  again,  and  lastly  an  editor.  Feeling  early  the 
need  of  an  education  he  began  just  after  his  marriage  to  obtain 
what  the  war  had  prevented  him  from  attaining  in  common  with 
so  many  other  Southern  boys.  He  worked  hard  by  day  and  lay 
awake  at  night  studying.  Many  and  many  a  night;  stimulated 
and  encouraged  by  his  noble  wife,  he  studied  after  a  hard  day's 
plowing  until  midnight.  During  1885-87  he  plowed  and  hoed 
and  paragraphed  for  the  Alvarado  Bulletin,  then  owned  by  G.  C. 
Fahm,  and  received  many  handsome  compliments  for  the  work 
he  did  on  that  paper." 

From  "plowing  and  hoeing  and  paragraphing"  as  observed 
by  the  local  historian  quoted,  Colonel  Baillio's  transition  into 
a  full-fledged  editor  was  easy:  for  in  1889  he  bought  a  half  in- 
terest in  the  Alvarado  Bulletin.  His  versatility  as  a  writer 
and  the  lucidity  with  which  he  expressed  himself  at  once  gave 
this  paper  a  standing  and  importance  in  the  class  of  smaller 
journals  of  the  State  rarely  if  ever  attained  by  any  other  of 
the  country  weeklies  of  the  commonwealth. 

On  Feb.  16,  1892,  Colonel  Baillio  purchased  a  half  interest 
in  the  Johnson  County  Review.  "While  editing  this  paper  he  at- 
tracted considerable  statewide  attention  by  his  strong,  able  editor- 
ials and  during  the  days  of  populist  predominance  he  fought  the 
battles  of  the  democratic  party  vigorously  and  fearlessly."  "His 
political  editorials  were  copied  all  over  the  State,  and,  after  he 
became  acquainted  with  members  of  the  National  Editorial  As- 
sociation, his  editorials  were  copied  in  papers  in  many  states." 

Colonel  Baillio's  cultured  mind,  his  fine  sense  of  propriety, 

8 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

his  tact  and  discretion  and  his  unselfishness,  coupled  with  a  kind 
of  soul-warmth  which  flowed  out  from  a  natural  politeness  char- 
acteristic of  the  cultured  French  from  which  he  was  descended, 
all  gave  him  what  some  call  a  "natural  bent  for  leadership." 
Evidencing  his  natural  qualities  of  leadership  we  learn  from  his 
neighbors  that  he  served  as  Worshipful  Master  of  the  Blue 
Lodge  and  High  Priest  of  the  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  Masons, 
Noble  Grand  I.  O.  O.  F.,  Chancellor  Commander  of  K.  P., 
and  that  he  served  twice  on  the  State  Democratic  Executive 
Committee.  From  private  memoirs  of  his  life  prepared  by 
him  for  his  children,  wherein  he  mentions  the  various  prefer- 
ments bestowed  upon  him,  we  find  this  statement  evidencing  both 
his  modesty  and  his  gratitude:  "I  can  say  with  truth  that  not 
one  of  these  honors  was  ever  sought,  but  came  to  me  through 
the  partiality  of  my  friends." 

In  recognition  no  less  of  his  editorial  attainments  and  powers 
than  of  these  fine  qualities  he  was  elected  to  the  Presidency  of 
the  Texas  Press  Association  in  1896.  Later,  in  1901,  he  was 
honored  with  the  Presidency  of  the  National  Editorial  Associa- 
tion which  that  year  held  its  Annual  Convention  at  the  Exposi- 
tion in  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

His  fidelity  and  services  to  the  Texas  Press  Association  can 
best  be  ascertained  by  a  review  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Asso- 
ciation as  published  in  this  volume.  A  small  measure  of  the  love 
and  esteem  in  which  he  was  held  by  the  membership  may  'be  as- 
certained from  several  resolutions  passed  by  the  Association  at 
its  Thirty-Fifth  and  at  its  Thirty-Sixth  Annual  Convention, 
these  resolutions  appearing  in  the  Thirty-Fifth  and  Thirty-Sixth 
Divisions  of  Part  Two  of  this  volume. 

Disposing  of  his  newspaper,  Colonel  Baillio  spent  the  latter 
years  of  his  life  travelling  as  a  representative  of  the  Barnhart 
Type  Founders  Co.,  and  of  the  Western  Newspaper  Union ;  but 
his  interest  in  the  craft  and  in  the  elevation  of  journalism  never 
waned — rather  we  say  it  increased  and  his  opportunities  for  ser- 
vice enlarged. 

9 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

At  his  home  in  Cleburne  at  10  o'clock,  Wednesday  morning, 
Aug.  25,  1915,  his  great  heart  stopped  and  his  soul  went  out  to 
meet  his  God — to  meet  the  Just  Judge  concerning  his  trust  in 
Whom  Colonel  Baillio  left  a  testimony  that  he  had  no  fears.  His 
death  terminated  an  illness  of  several  months  and  lacked  but 
five  days  of  being  one  year  after  the  death  of  his  wife  for  whose 
departure  his  grief,  though  not  often  expressed  to  his  friends, 
was  poignant  and  unassuaged.  "The  funeral  service  was  beau- 
tiful and  impressive,  comforting  in  its  eloquence  and  simplicity. 
The  floral  offerings  were  exquisite  and  profuse,  showing  the 
high  respect  in  which  deceased  and  his  splendid  family  are  held. 
Surrounded  by  those  who  loved  and  revered  him,  the  mortal  re- 
mains of  this  splendid  and  efficient  citizen  were  laid  to  rest  in  the 
silent  God's  Acre  on  the  hill  at  Grandview.  At  the  graveside 
there  to  pay  the  last  sad  rites,  were  his  loved  ones,  many  sorrow- 
ing friends  and  members  of  the  journalistic  fraternity  to  whom 
his  name  meant  so  much." 

No  better  insight  to  the  character  of  the  man,  no  finer  trib- 
ute to  his  memory,  can  be  given  than  the  following  little  verse, 
which  he  termed  his  "Daily  Prayer,"  reproduced  from  a  card 
which  he  handed  out  to  those  he  met  in  a  business  and  social 
capacity : 

May  I  be  brave  today, 

And  may  I  be  kind  and  true, 
And  greet  all  men  in  a  gracious  way 
And  put  good  cheer  in  the  things  I  say; 

And  love  in  the  deeds  I  do. 
May  the  honest  heart  of  a  child  be  mine, 
And  the  grace  of  a  rose  in  bloom. 
May  I  fill  the  day  with  hope  divine, 
And  turn  my  eyes  to  the  sky's  glad  shine 
With  never  a  cloud  of  gloom. 
With  the  golden  levers  of  love  and  light, 
Through  a  path  by  kindly  deeds  made  bright, 
When  I  come  to  the  hush  of  the  starless  night, 
May  I  rest  in  peace.  — H.  E. 

10 


Editor's  Preface 


THE  genesis,  we  say  not  origin  or  beginning,  of  this  volume 
is  set  forth  in  a  parenthetical  insertion  in  the  proceedings 
of  the  35th  Annual  Convention  of  the  Association,  in  Part  Two. 
A  proper  perspective  of  the  movement  for  the  publication  is 
there  set  forth  in  its  logically  historical  place  and  is  not  produced 
here  because  of  length.  The  report  of  the  Historian  was  made 
at  that  convention  and  his  manuscript  accepted.  It  will  be  noted 
in  his  report  that  he  planned  to  include  in  the  history  a  short 
biographical  notice  of  each  member  of  the  Association  and  that 
his  report  mentions  that  but  a  small  per  cent  of  the  members 
had  sent  to  him  any  data  concerning  themselves  upon  which  to 
base  such  notice.  For  the  reasons  of  which  the  Author  com- 
plained, the  Editor  found  it  impossible  to  prepare  the  current 
biographical  section  as  the  Author  originally  planned  it.  Per- 
sistent efforts  were  not  made  to  consummate  this  because  the 
Committee  having  in  charge  the  publishing  of  the  volume  foresaw 
that,  should  such  be  included,  there  would  be  more  matter  than 
could  be  well  put  into  a  book  of  this  size.  The  great  problem 
has  been,  both  with  the  Editor  and  the  Committee  on  Publica- 
tion, to  keep  the  work  within  reasonable  bounds. 

As  one  reads  chapter  after  chapter  of  each  of  the  three 
parts  of  the  volume,  he  must  be  impressed  with  a  sense  of  grati- 
tude to  the  Author;  nor  can  he  escape  a  sense  of  pride  in  his 
membership  in  an  organization  so  intimately  identified  with  the 
glorious  history  of  our  Commonwealth,  an  organization  that  has 
stood  for  so  much  and  whose  members  have  labored  so  patiently 
for  the  uplift  of  a  people.  It  is  thrilling  to  read  of  battles  'the 
Association  has  waged  for  the  enactment  of  certain  legislation 
and  the  repeal  of  certain  unjust  laws.  The  very  warp  and  woof 
of  the  State's  earlier  history  are  bound  up  in  Part  Three;  and 

11 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

as  one  reads  it  he  must  be  thankful  that  rank  and  rabid  political 
partisanry  in  our  journalism  has  passed  forever. 

To  the  close  student,  that  which  stands  out  boldly  from  al- 
most every  page  is  not  a  mere  fact  of  history,  or  some  one's 
passing  fancy,  or  merely  the  recital  of  a  list  of  names  or  com- 
mittees, dull  necessarily  as  such  items  are  when  we  are  not  con- 
nected with  them  in  a  personal  way;  but  that  which  stands  out 
and  grips  you,  charms  you — even  inspires  you — is  THE  SPIRIT 
OF  THE  ASSOCIATION.  That  spirit  is  indefinable,  but  it  is 
tangible  and  real,  for  it  gets  hold  of  you.  No  newspaper  man, 
whether  he  be  a  member  of  the  Association  or  not,  can  read  the 
volume  and  not  become  a  better  journalist  and  a  better  man. 

Much  of  the  text  is  quoted  direct  from  the  sources  investi- 
gated. This  gives  rise  in  many  places  to  what  may  be  termed 
a  departure  from  logical  sequences,  historically  speaking.  It 
naturally,  because  of  these  quotations,  assumes  a  wide  latitude 
in  variety  of  style  and  peculiarity  of  punctuation.  But  no  editor 
would  dare  try  to  reduce  a  text  to  a  system  of  uniformity  and 
continuity  of  style,  nor  adhere  to  his  own  particular  rules  of 
punctuation  and  paragraphing  when  he  is  dealing  with  subject 
matter  taken  unchanged  direct  from  its  original  sources. 

HENRY  EDWARDS. 

Troup,  Texas,  Feb.  18,  1916. 


12 


Table  of  Contents 


PART  ONE. 

Page 

EDITOR'S  PREFACE 11 

Biographical  Sketch  of  Author 5 

Introduction     18 

First  Organizations,  Chapter  I 23 

Legal  Printing,  Chapter  II 27 

The  Libel  Law,  Chapter  III 30 

The  Anti-Pass  Law,  Chapter  IV 42 

The  Beginning  of  Printing  in  Texas,  Chapter  V 45 

Printing  Plants  Then  and  Now,  Chapter  VI 47 

Growth  and  Development  of  Printing  in  Texas,  Chapter 

VII 53 

"Lest  We  Forget,"  Chapter  VIII 55 

Print  Paper,  Chapter  IX 60 

The  Duties  of  an  Editor,  Chapter  X 62 

Value  of  Newspaper  Files,  Chapter  XI ',  66 

An  Editor's  Reflections  on  a  Photograph 68 

Life  Members  Texas  Press  Association..  71 


PART  TWO. 

The  First  Annual  Convention  1880 73 

The  Second  Annual  Convention  1881 76 

The  Third  Annual  Convention   1882 81 

The  Fourth  Annual  Convention  1883 96 

The  Fifth  Annual  Convention  1884 106 

The  Sixth  Annual  Convention  1885 109 

13 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Page 

The  Seventh  Annual  Convention  1886 111 

The  Eight  Annual  Convention  1887 116 

The  Ninth  Annual  Convention  1888 125 

The  Tenth  Annual  Convention  1889 130 

The  Eleventh  Annual   Convention   1890 138 

The  Twelfth  Annual  Convention   1891 145 

The  Thirteenth  Annual  Convention  1892 151 

The  Fourteenth  Annual  Convention  1893 157 

The  Fifteenth  Annual  Convention  1894 167 

The  Sixteenth  Annual  Convention  1895 175 

The  Seventeenth  Annual  Convention   1896 181 

The  Eighteenth  Annual  Convention  1897 186 

The  Nineteenth  Annual  Convention  1898 191 

The  Twentieth  Annual  Convention   1899 195 

The  Twenty-First  Annual   Convention   1900 200 

The  Twenty-Second  Annual  Convention  1901 206 

The  Twenty-Third  Annual  Convention  1902 212 

The  Twenty-Fourth  Annual  Convention  1903 216 

The  Twenty-Fifth  Annual  Convention  1904 220 

The  Twenty-Sixth  Annual  Convention  1905 226 

The  Twenty-Seventh   Annual   Convention   1906 232 

The  Twenty-Eighth  Annual  Convention  1907 239 

The  Twenty-Ninth  Annual  Convention   1908 249 

The  Thirtieth  Annual  Convention  1909 256 

The  Thirty-First  Annual   Convention   1910 265 

The  Thirty-Second  Annual  Convention  1911 271 

The  Thirty-Third  Annual  Convention  1912 276 

The  Thirty-Fourth  Annual  Convention  1913 283 

The  Thirty-Fifth  Annual  Convention   1914 294 

The  Thirty-Sixth  Annual  Convention  1915 307 

14 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

PART  THREE. 

Page 

A  History  of  Early  Texas  Newspapers 318 

Early  Papers  Published  in  "East"  Texas 338 

Early  Papers  Published  in  "West"  Texas 353 

Regular  Newspapers  Published  in  the  Houston-Runnels 

Campaign  1857 368 

Papers  Published  in  1862 369 

Papers  Published  in  1867—-= 370 

Roster  of  Texas  Press  1875 372 

Roster  of  Texas  Press  May,  1886 375 

PART  FOUR. 

The   First   Great   Excursion 388 

Editor's  and  Publisher's  Convention  of  1853_ 391 

Suggested  Rates  for  Newspaper  Space 393 

Officers  for  1915-1916 394 

Roster  of  Membership  in  1915 395 

Tabular  Form  of  Officers,  Meeting  Places,  etc 403 


15 


PART  I 


Introduction. 

First  Organizations. 

Legal  Printing. 

Libel  Law. 

The  Anti-Pass  Law. 

The   Beginning   of   Printing   in    Texas. 

Printing  Plants  Then  and  Now. 

Growth  and  Development  of  Printing  in  Texas. 

<(Lest   We  Forget." 

Print  Paper. 

The  Duties  of  an  Editor. 

Value  of  Newspaper  Files. 

An  Editor's  Reflection  on  a  Photograph. 

Life  Members  of  the  Texas  Press  Association. 


Introduction 


WHEN  I  undertook  the  task  of  writing  a  history  of  the  Texas 
Press  Association  I  little  realized  the  vast  amount  of  hard 
work  it  would  impose.  If  I  had,  the  probabilities  are  that  I  would 
have  hesitated  long  before  beginning.  I  had  never — nor  have  I 
to  this  good  hour — seen  a  history  of  a  press  association.  I  had 
no  "blazed  trail"  to  follow,  and  little  or  no  idea  how  to  proceed. 
I  made  several  attempts,  only  to  destroy  the  work  done  and  begin 
again.  It  may  be  the  plan  finally  adopted  was  not  the  best.  I 
confess  that  I  am  not  overly  well  pleased  with  what  I  have  done, 
and  am  a  bit  nervous  over  the  reception  that  may  be  given  it  by 
critical  friends. 

Because  of  my  occupation  as  a  traveling  man,  I  have  had 
to  write  what  has  been  written  in  a  desultory  way  and  in  the 
intervals  between  my  trips  on  the  road.  I  have  had  no  help  from 
any  source  whatsoever.  I  wrote  many  letters  to  different  news- 
paper men  asking  for  information  which  I  am  sure  they  could 
have  given,  with  but  little  or  no  effort,  of  the  early  days  of  the 
press  in  Texas.  To  this  good  day  I  have  received  not  a  line  in 
answer.  Shall  I  charge  this  failure  on  their  part  to  modesty,  in- 
difference, or  just  to  laziness? 

My  work  lies  before  you.  I  submit  it  to  you  with  trepida- 
tion. I  have  done  my  best ;  and  I  hope  it  may  meet  at  least  par- 
tial favor  among  those  for  whom  it  has  been  written.  It  has 
been,  on  my  part,  a  labor  of  love;  and  that  without  the  hope  or 
expectation  of  fee  or  reward..  The  Texas  Press  Association  has 
been  ever  kind  to  me — far  kinder  than  I  feel  I  deserved ;  every 
honor  in  its  gift  it  has  conferred  upon  me;  and  if  I  can  repay, 
only  in  part,  the  debt  of  gratitude  I  owe  it,  I  will  be  happy  and 
will  feel  amply  repaid  for  the  work  I  have  done.  I  realize  that 
the  work  is  by  no  means  perfect,  and  that  many  things  might 
have  been  incorporated  that  have  been  overlooked.  Still,  it  has 

18 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

been  done  in  the  best  way  I  knew  how,  and  may  serve  as  a  basis 
for  a  better  and  fuller  history  in  the  future. 

To  write  a  history  of  the  Texas  Press  Association  is  by 
no  means  to  write  a  history  of  the  Texas  press,  howsoever  in- 
teresting that  might  prove ;  but  that  is  beyond  the  scope  and  plan 
of  this  undertaking.  The  field  is  an  inviting  one  but  is  a  story 
apart  from  the  one  in  contemplation  and  would,  were  it  ven- 
tured into,  make  beyond  all  proper  bounds  a  work  that  already 
promises  to  be  sufficiently  bulky.  However  it  has  been  thought 
worth  while  to  reproduce,  and  add  as  a  section  of  this  book,  an 
essay  prepared  and  read  by  the  late  Judge  A.  B.  Norton  before 
the  Association  in  1886,  giving  the  history  of  the  early  news- 
papers of  Texas ;  to  show  the  vast  improvement  in  printing  ma- 
chinery and  the  equipment  of  printing  offices;  and  to  review 
the  growth  and  development  of  the  printing  industry  in  Texas. 

In  writing  a  history  of  the  Association,  it  was  finally  decided, 
after  several  plans  had  been  attempted  only  to  be  abandoned,  to 
give,  year  by  year,  and  as  succinctly  as  possible,  the  annual  pro- 
ceedings which  show  what  the  Association  had  in  contemplation, 
what  it  attempted,  what  it  accomplished,  and  show  its  evolution, 
from  an  organization  devoted  largely  to  pleasure  to  one  where, 
by  happy  interchanges  of  ideas,  the  publisher  both  teaches  and  is 
taught.  This  will  best  be  seen  and  understood  by  reading  the 
Condensed  proceedings  of  the  various  annual  conventions,  which 
are  also  made  a  part  of  this  work. 

Up  to  and  including  the  annual  convention  held  in  Corsicana 
in  1891,  the  membership  was  given  not  only  free  transportation 
over  the  different  railroads,  but  free  hotel  bills  and,  indeed,  free 
entertainment  generally,  and  the  time  of  the  conventions  was 
taken  up,  largely,  with  the  details  of  excursions  and  other  dis- 
tractions. At  the  Dallas  Convention  (1883),  resolutions  looking 
to  the  abolishment  of  the  feature  of  free  entertainment,  such  as 
free  hotel  bills,  were  offered  by  J.  F.  Mitchell  of  the  Greenville 
Banner ;  but  the  adoption  of  the  resolution  was  declared  unneces- 
sary at  that  time.  However,  the  seed  had  been  sown,  and  the  idea 

19 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

was  finally  to  prevail.  At  the  Corsicana  convention,  (1891),  a 
resolution  was  offered  proposing  to  put  an  end  to  free  entertain- 
ment, which  was  considered  as  not  conducive  to  the  good  of  the 
Association,  as  tending  to  lower  the  dignity  of  the  profession, 
and  disposed  to  make  the  entertainment  of  the  Association  a 
burden  upon  the  cities  of  which  it  might  become  the  guest.  The 
proposition  again  met  defeat  but  was  considered  of  such  merit 
that  it  was  put  in  effect  at  all  subsequent  meetings;  and  from 
then  on,  and  until  the  anti-pass  law  went  into  effect,  the  members 
paid  their  way,  except  as  to  railroad  fares,  at  all  annual  con- 
ventions. This  policy  had  the  effect  of  lessening  for  a  few  years 
the  number  of  applications  for  membership;  but  time  and  expe- 
rience have  justified  the  wisdom  of  the  "pay-as-you-go"  policy, 
and  the  Association  is  now  stronger  in  every  way  than  ever  be- 
fore, is  growing  at  a  most  satisfactory  rate,  and  is  attracting  to 
its  membership  the  best  in  Texas  newspaperdom — men  who  are 
identified  with  it  and  attend  its  conventions  because  of  the  bene- 
fits to  be  derived  from  them. 

At  the  Fort  Worth  convention  in  1894,  the  discussion  of  the 
details  of  excursions,  during  the  business  sessions  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, was  forbidden  by  resolution;  and  it  was  further  decided 
that  no  excursion  would  be  taken  for  the  two  years  following. 
From  then  on  the  work  of  the  conventions  became  more  practical, 
until  now  they  have  become  essentially  schools  of  journalism  in 
the  business,  mechanical,  and  editorial  departments  of  news- 
paper making.  There  is  not  today  a  mone  business-like  press 
organization;  and  it  may  well  be  claimed  that  in  that  respect, 
if  in  no  other,  it  is  without  a  peer  in  all  our  land. 

From  its  organization,  the  Association  has  aligned  itself  on 
the  side  of  morality,  sobriety,  education,  and  of  all  that  makes  for 
the  uplift  of  mankind  and  the  development  of  the  resources  of 
the  State.  One  of  its  first  acts  was  to  deny  membership  to  an 
applicant  guilty  of  excessive  indulgence  in  intoxicants;  it  ex- 
pelled members  for  that  sin  against  morality  and  good  conduct, 
for  violation  of  contracts,  and  because  of  "conduct  unbecoming 

20 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

a  gentleman."  Banquets  "for  men  only,"  where  wine  was  served 
and  excesses  were  unfortunately  sometimes  indulged  in,  have 
been  abandoned;  and  the  restraining  presence  of  the  ladies  is  and 
has  been  for  years  invited,  until  press  banquets  have  become  de- 
corous beyond  cavil  or  criticism. 

One  of  the  first  addresses  made  before  the  Association  (by 
Professor  T.  J.  Girardeau  of  the  Houston  Post,  and  there  has 
been  no  abler),  was  in  advocacy  of  education.  The  Association 
has  ever  championed  the  interests  of  the  common  schools  and 
higher  institutions  of  learning,  as  well  as  of  all  things  that  make 
for  the  betterment  of  the  moral,  social  and  material  condition 
of  the  people;  and  while  it  has  given  encouragement  and  support 
to  everything  that  makes  for  good,  it  has  not  hesitated  to  frown 
upon  and  condemn,  and  that  in  no  uncertain  manner,  those  things 
which  it  considered  inimical  to  the  common  good. 

It  has  eliminated  personal  journalism,  that  bane  of  news- 
paperdom,  and  has  engendered  a  splendid  spirit  of  tolerance 
and  fraternity,  and  a  just  pride  in  the  profession  of  journalism, 
which  has  lifted  the  Texas  publisher  above  the  petty  practices 
which  are  wont  to  bring  ridicule  upon  the  "country  editor."  It 
has  made  him  to  see  and  consider  that  his  calling  is  one  to  be 
proud  of,  that  there  is  none  more  honorable  or  responsible,  and 
that  his  business  is  one  to  be  conducted  upon  a  high  and  digni- 
fied plane  and  upon  strict  business  principles. 

Political  and  religious  discussions  are  not  tolerated  in  the 
Association,  and  the  applicant  for  membership  is  not  questioned 
as  to  his  political  or  religious  opinions  and  predilections.  It  is 
an  organization  of  newspaper  men  for  newspaper  men,  and  that 
without  regard  to  party  or  creed.  It  is  a  republic  of  letters  where 
brains  is  the  currency  and  good  conduct  the  passport.  Several 
attempts  have  been  made,  at  different  times,  to  lead  the  Asso- 
ciation into  the  mire  of  politics,  or  to  commit  it  to  the  endorse- 
ment of  some  fad,  but  these  attempts  have  always  failed  and  the 
organization  remains  one  where  men  of  diverse  and  opposing 

21 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

opinions  may  meet  on  common  ground  and  in  a  spirit  of  fra- 
ternity. . 

There  is  no  shriveled  localism  in  the  Association.  Its  in- 
terests and  sympathies  are  as  broad  as  the  domain  of  Texas.  It 
has  inculcated  and  cultivated  State  pride,  and  has  done  much, 
by  meeting  in  different  sections  of  the  State,  to  banish  section- 
alism and  narrow  provincialism,  and  to  make  its  members  ac- 
quainted with  the  varied  resources,  interests  and  industries  of 
Texas.  Several  attempts  have  been  made,  in  response  to  flat- 
tering invitations  and  alluring  offers,  to  adopt  some  place  as  a 
permanent  home,  but  these  have  not  succeeded,  since  that  would, 
by  localizing  the  organization,  deprive  it  of  its  chief  virtue  and  at- 
traction, its  statewide  character,  and  make  of  it  a  mere  local  in- 
stitution, which  would  soon  result  in  its  disintegration.  That 
the  Association  has  been  of  distinct  benefit,  not  alone  to  its  mem- 
bers, but  to  the  State,  is  so  apparent  that  it  can  not  be  gainsaid; 
and  there  is  little  or  no  probability  that  its  object  and  intention 
will  be  defeated  by  adopting  for  it  a  permanent  home,  howsoever 
palatial  and  alluring  that  home  might  be  made. 


22 


Chapter  I — First  Organizations 


SEVERAL  attempts,  it  appears,  were  made  to  organize  a  State 
press  association  in  Texas  before  the  present  splendid  organi- 
zation was  effected  in  the  city  of  Houston,  in  1880.  What  is 
thought  to  have  been  the  very  first  effort  was  a  call  in  "The  Star- 
State  Patriot,"  of  Marshall,  in  its  issue  of  June  9,  1853,  for  a 
meeting  of  newspaper  men  to  be  held  in  the  city  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  a  State  Press  Association.  Whether  the  meeting  was 
ever  held,  and  if  because  of  it  an  association  was  organized,  the 
writer  has  not  been  able  to  discover.  The  query,  in  1853,  as  to 
whether  Whigs  and  Democrats  could  associate  in  a  press  conven- 
tion in  harmony  and  in  a  spirit  of  brotherly  love  sounds  a  bit 
queer  these  days  in  the  light  of  the  splendid  spirit  of  fraternity 
and  tolerance  which  actuates  the  members  of  the  Texas  Press 
Association  and  pervades  every  assembly  of  "the  gang,"  where 
no  questions  are  asked  as  to  a  man's  religious,  political,  or  other 
opinions  and  views. 

In  the  Press  Bulletin,  edited  and  published  in  Temple  by 
Mrs.  William  Davis  Cox,  is  found  in  its  issue  of  March,  1898, 
the  following  clipping  from  the  Wallisville  Age: 

"In  January,  I  wrote  to  Editor  T.  J.  Chambers  of  the  Liberty 
Vindicator,  who  was  secretary  of  the  Texas  Editorial  Associa- 
tion and  had  the  distinction  of  being,  in  1869,  the  youngest  editor 
and  proprietor  of  a  newspaper  in  Texas,  asking  him  to  con- 
tribute all  the  information  he  could  in  regard  to  that  body.  Hav- 
ing lost  by  fire  all  his  files  of  that  date,  he  very  kindly  addressed 
a  letter  to  Colonel  Dan  L.  McGary  to  whom  I  had  also  written, 
and  for  reply  sends  me  the  following  clippings  from  Colonel 
McGary's  paper  which  explain  themselves: 

"We  remember  the  Association  excellently  well.  It  met 
twice  and  was  twice  banqueted,  once  by  the  Direct  Navigation 
Company  and  once  by  Scherffius  and  Brenard,  and  the  banquets 

23 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

were  all  that  the  word  implies.  They  were  gay  and  festive.  The 
members  whose  names  we  can  recall  were  General  William  G. 
Webb  of  the  Houston  Telegraph,  Summers  Kinney  and  E.  P. 
Claudon  of  the  Houston  Times,  John  G.  Rankin  of  the  Hemp- 
stead  Reporter,  William  and  Thomas  Cain  of  the  Bastrop  Ad- 
vertiser, Ed.  I.  Kellie  of  the  Jasper  News  Boy,  Joseph  Lancaster 
of  the  Navasota  Ranger,  and  the  writer,  who  was  then  of  the 
Southern  Banner  of  Brenham.  Major  Cave  was  the  leading 
spirit  in  the  Direct  Navigation  Company  banquet  and  John 
Brashear,  father  of  Judge  Sam  Houston  Brashear,  was  a  leading 
spirit  and  a  choice  spirit  in  any  circle  in  which  he  moved.  He 
now,  alas,  is  dead;  and  so  are  Summers  Kinney,  Henry  Scherf- 
fius,  and  Parson  Lancaster.  Major  Cave  is  treasurer  of  the 
Houston  and  Texas  Central  Railway,  E.  P.  Claudon  lives  in 
San  Antonio,  John  Rankin  owns  the  Brenham  Banner,  Ed  Kellie 
is  assisting  the  people  of  Jasper  county  to  build  a  railroad  with 
their  own  resources,  Tom  Cain  owns  the  Bastrop  Advertiser, 
and  General  Webb,  at  last  account  we  had  of  him,  was  prac- 
ticing law  in  La  Grange.  In  giving  names  of  those  who  attended 
the  meeting  of  the  Texas  Editorial  Association  in  1869,  by  a 
mere  slip,  we  omitted  T.  Jeff  Chambers  then  of  the  Liberty 
Gazette,  and  now  of  the  Liberty  Vindicator.  Brother  Chambers 
was  one  of  the  choice  spirits  of  those  meetings.  We  also  omitted 
Dick  Vanhorn  of  the  Corsicana  Observer,  another  of  the  lead- 
ing minds.  He  is  long  since  dead,  and  is  in  heaven,  we  trust." 
In  1873,  "The  First  Texas  Editorial  and  Press  Association" 
was  organized  in  the  city  of  Sherman.  It  held  annual  convention 
in  Sherman  in  1873,  in  Dallas  in  1874,  and  in  Houston  in  1875. 
At  the  Houston  convention,  Jefferson  was  elected  as  the  next 
place  of  meeting,  and  the  second  Tuesday  in  April,  1876,  was 
designated  as  the  time.  I  am  informed  by  Colonel  B.  C.  Murray, 
late  of  the  Denison  Gazetteer,  that  the  convention  was  held  in 
Jefferson  in  1876,  but  it  does  not  appear  that  the  minutes  of  that 
convention  were  ever  printed.  It  was  discontinued  after  the 
Jefferson  meeting.  The  cause  of  the  demise  of  this  association, 

24 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

which  was  composed  of  the  best  material  in  the  State,  is  not 
known;  but  it  may  well  have  been  because  of  the  great  distances 
separating  the  members  in  those  days  of  poor  transportation 
facilities.  The  first  excursion  of  Texas  editors  beyond  the  con- 
fines of  the  State  was  by  the  members  of  this  association  to 
Northern  cities.  At  the  Houston  convention,  1875,  the  associa- 
tion, headed  by  Captain  B.  B.  Paddock  of  Fort  Worth,  president 
of  the  association,  called  on  Hon.  Jefferson  Davis,  president  of 
the  late  Southern  Confederacy,  who  happened  at  that  time  to  be 
in  the  city  and  paid  their  respects  to  the  guest  of  honor. 

The  matter  of  print  paper  engaged  the  attention  of  the  asso- 
ciation and  it  "learned  with  satisfaction  that  a  paper  mill  is  soon 
to  be  established  in  Dallas."  Also,  the  matter  of  telegraphic  news 
reports  furnished  the  papers  of  Texas  was  a  subject  of  discus- 
sion and  the  character  and  quality  of  matter  furnished  was 
animadverted  upon,  the  "New  York  Associated  Press"  being 
charged  with  manipulating  the  news  in  the  interest  of  political 
parties. 

The  following  were  enrolled  at  the  Sherman  (1873)  meet- 
ing: 

Fred  W.  Miner,  Paris  Chartist;  W.  H.  Lewis,  printer,  Paris;  Charles  De- 
Morse,  Clarksville  Standard;  B.  C.  Murray,  Denison  News;  A.  I,.  Darnell,  Sher- 
man Patriot ;  Thompson,  Sherman  Democrat ;  A.  B.  Norton,  Dallas  Intelli- 
gencer; John  B.  Dale,  Waxahachie  Democrat;  J.  M.  Thurmond,  Corsicana  Pro- 
gressive; Tom  fvd  Bomar,  Decatur  Advance  Guard;  J.  B.  Choice,  Gainesville 'Ga- 
zette;  John  H.  Bingham,  McKinney  Enquirer;  C.  C.  Vogel,  Houston  Deutsche 
Zeitung;  J.  S.  Seward,  cor.  Hempstead  Messenger;  J.  D.  McCamant,  cor.  and 
agent  Greenville  Herald ;  Charles  Mitchell,  printer,  Paris ;  W.  J.  Swain,  Clarksville 
Times;  Geo.  A.  Cutler,  Denison  Journal;  T.  W.  Ham,  Denison  New  South;  Thomas 
J.  Crooks,  Sherman  Democrat ;  —  —  Brown,  Sherman  Democrat ;  J.  Dar,  Jr.,  Sher- 
man Democrat ;  Stanley  Welch,  Austin  State  Journal ;  E.  R.  Trask,  Texas  Demo-  ' 
crat;  M.  B.  V.  Bennett,  Texas  Democrat;  A.  E.  Dodson,  Gainesville  Gazette; 
S.  A.  Posey,  Austin  Commonwealth;  C.  E.  Van  Horn,  Corsicana  Observer;  J. 
M.  Morphis,  gen.  cor.  Austin;  W.  N.  Bryant,  cor.  Waco  Register  and  proprietor 
S.  W.  R.  R.  Guide. 

Charles  DeMorse  of  the  Clarksville  Standard  was  elected  presi- 
dent; Dr.  George  A.  Cutler,  Fred  W.  Miner,  Stanley  Welch,  A. 
Whidden,  A.  R.  Norton  and  C.  G.  Vogel  were  elected  vice  presi- 
dents; W.  J.  Swain,  secretary;  B.  C.  Murray,  S.  A.  Posey,  W.  H. 
Lewis,  J.  W.  Swindell,  W.  G.  Webb  and  R.  S.  Fulton,  corresponding 
secretaries. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

This  association  was  chartered  under  the  laws  of  the  State 
of  Texas  as  the  "Texas  Editorial  and  Press  Association;"  and 
among  the  names  mentioned  in  the  charter  we  find  the  names  of 
Charles  DeMorse,  B.  B.  Paddock,  G.  J.  Clark,  J.  K.  Millican, 
T.  P.  Yarbrough,  John  D.  Elliott,  G.  B.  Gerald,  John  H.  Bing- 
ham,  C.  G.  Vogel,  T.  P.  Hawley,  A.  B.  Norton,  T.  J.  Crooks, 
W.  Y.  Leader,  George  A.  Cutler,  J.  G.  Martin,  B.  C.  Murray, 
C.  R.  Gibson,  W.  W.  Spivey,  A.  L.  Darnell,  A.  C.  Gray,  and  Sam 
W.  Small.  The  charter  was  duly  signed  and  executed  and  was 
filed  in  the  department  of  State  at  Austin  on  April  5th,  1875. 
The  association  was  empowered  by  the  charter  to  "buy,  hold  and 
sell  property,  real,  personal  or  mixed,  as  they  may  deem  proper 
and  expedient  for  the  best  interest  of  the  association,  to  grant 
and  receive,  to  sue  and  be  sued,  to  maintain  and  defend  judicial 
proceedings,  to  plead  and  be  impleaded,  to  contract  and  be  con- 
tracted with,  etc."  The  term  of  the  existence  of  the  charter  was 
for  the  period  of  ninety-nine  years  from  the  date  of  filing. 

Then  on  the  nineteenth  day  of  May,  in  the  good  year  1880,  a 
meeting  of  the  newspaper  men  was  held  in  the  city  of  Houston 
and  the  present  Texas  Press  Association  was  organized,  with 
J.  W.  Fishburn  of  the  Mexia  Ledger  as  its  first  president. 


26 


Chapter  II— Legal  Printing 


LEGAL  PRINTING  has  been  a  subject  of  discussion  in  the 
Association  at  every  annual  convention  until  this  good  hour. 
Still  the  agitation  has  accomplished  little  or  nothing  and  the  un- 
fortunate debtor  continues  to  see  his  property  sold  at  a  sacrifice 
at  forced  sale  and  without  advertising  other  than '  on  bulletin 
boards,  trees,  and  out  of  the  way  places  which  few  see  or  read — 
a  custom  which  has  survived  the  days  when  newspapers  were  few 
and  far  between  and  the  school-master  had  not  as  yet  ventured 
very  far  afield. 

That  the  agitation  on  the  part  of  the  publishers,  asking  for 
the  publication  of  legal  notices,  has  not  been  altogether  selfish, 
is  made  manifest  by  an  examination  of  the  language  of  the  reso- 
lutions offered  and  adopted  at  each  recurring  annual  convention. 
That  the  refusal  to  amend  the  law  so  as  to  require  the  publica- 
tion of  such  notices  is  prompted  largely  by  that  spirit  which  de- 
mands the  pound  of  flesh  on  the  part  of  the  lawyer  legislators 
with  clients  who  have  debts  to  collect,  and  others  on  the  look- 
out for  "snaps"  at  public  sales,  is  believed  by  many;  and  that 
belief  is  not  confined  exclusively  to  the  men  in  the  newspaper 
business. 

A  prime  cause  of  the  deaf  ear  turned  to  the  insistent  prayers 
of  the  publishers  for  a  modification  of  the  law  which  bears  so 
heavily  upon  the  unfortunate  debtor  class  may  perhaps  be  laid 
in  part  at  the  door  of  publishers  who  have  not  always  been  care- 
ful in  the  selection  of  their  candidates  in  elections,  but  have 
rather  given  their  support  and  helped  to  elect  to  office  men  whose 
disposition  toward  the  press  was  either  unfriendly  or  unknown, 
and  simply  because  of  their  political  affiliations.  But  the  day 
of  the  political  organ  is  rapidly  passing;  the  press  is  beginning 
to  show  more  and  more  a  manly  independence  that  augurs  better 
for  the  future,  and  the  newspaper  people  are  seemingly  taking 
more  to  heart  the  admonition  that  he  who  fails  to  provide  for 

27 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

his  own  household  is  worse  than  an  infidel.  Texas  has  been 
overwhelmingly  one-sided  politically  for  so  many  years  that  the 
politicians  have — and  justly,  too,  because  of  the  self-sacrificing 
spirit  of  the  newspaper  folks — felt  independent  of  the  press,  and 
have  not  been  slow  to  make  an  exhibition  of  it,  even  to  the  ex- 
tent of  vituperation  and  slander;  even  to  the  extent  of  refusing, 
or  worse  yet,  ignoring  the  just  requests  of  the  publishers.  Still, 
the  newspaper  people,  long  suffering  and  full  of  more  than  Chris- 
tian charity,  have  continued  to  assist  in  the  election  of  men  only 
to  find,  when  too  late,  they  had  helped  to  places  of  power  those 
who  were  enemies  to  their  calling.  Some  day — and  let  us 
hope  that  day  is  not  remote — the  men  of  the  press  will  awake 
to  a  full  realization  of  their  power  and  influence,  and  then  their 
petitions  will  not  be  pigeonholed  or  kicked  out  of  the  back  door. 

Comparisons  are  said  to  be  odious,  but  a  comparison  of  the 
treatment  of  the  public  press  where  the  political  parties  are  about 
evenly  divided,  with  the  treatment  accorded  it  where  a  party  has 
a  safe  and  certain  majority,  might  be  prolific  of  much  good.  The 
remedy  is  for  the  publisher  to  ascertain  whether  the  men  for 
whom  he  "whoops  'em  up"  is  a  friend  to  the  press,  or  whether 
he  is  going  to  give  it  "the  double  cross"  and  pelt  it  with  rotten 
eggs  after  he  gets  the  desire  of  his  soul.  Men  in  other  lines  of 
business  seek  to  conserve  their  interests  by  striving  to  elect  to 
office  men  who  are  friendly,  and  by  every  rule  of  right,  of  sound 
judgment  and  of  self-interest,  the  publishers  should  do  the  same. 

The  press  is  the  greatest  power  in  the  land ;  and  if  the  pub- 
lishers will  but  agree  on  a  thing,  and  act  in  concert,  they  can 
accomplish  anything  they  undertake.  Let  the  publisher  uphold 
the  dignity  of  the  profession,  be  servant  to  no  man,  know  his 
right  and  knowing,  contend  for  it,  and  work  for  his  own  interests 
as  he  has  in  the  past  for  his  party  and  political  friends,  and  he 
will  not  be  made  ashamed,  nor  will  his  just  demands  be  refused. 
Why  should  the  fetich  of  party  make  a  newspaper  man  unmind- 
ful of  his  own  interests,  and  why  should  a  newspaper  man  im- 

28 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

molate  himself  and  his  family  on  any  man's  political  or  personal 
altar  ? 

At  the  thirty-fourth  annual  convention,  held  in  San  Antonio, 
in  1913,  the  committee  on  legislation  made  a  report  on  the  sub- 
ject of  legal  printing  which  is  full  of  very  valuable  information 
along  that  line.  This  report  is  reproduced  in  large  part  in  the 
summary  of  that  year's  convention  elsewhere  in  this  volume. 

The  newspaper  man  should  never  lose  sight  of  the  fact  that 
his  is  a  business  to  be  conducted,  as  every  business  should  be, 
for  profit;  that  his  space  is  his  stock  in  trade,  and  that  the  best 
authorities  agree  that  every  inch  of  type  that  goes  into  a  paper  is 
set  at  a  cost  of  about  ten  cents.  To  take  matter  for  less  than 
the  cost  of  production  is  to  conduct  a  losing  business,  and  so  the 
man  or  men  who  are  to  be  benefited,  personally  or  politically,  by 
the  matter  set,  should  be  expected  to  pay  for  it ;  and  the  man 
who  expects  such  service  for  nothing  is  on  a  par  with  the  man 
who  would  expect  the  merchant  to  give  him  a  suit  of  clothes 
because,  forsooth,  he  was  a  member  of  the  same  political  party. 

More  and  more  the  people  are  demanding  publicity  of  things 
they  have  a  right  to  know  and  in  which  they  are  interested.  It 
is  to  the  interest  of  both  debtor  and  creditor  that  all  notices  of 
forced  sales  of  property  should  be  advertised  and  given  the 
widest  publicity ;  to  the  debtor,  that  his  property  may  bring  at 
least  a  fair  value;  and  to  the  creditor,  if  he  means  to  be  fair  and 
just,  that  his  debtor's  property  bring  all  it  should,  or  at  least  a 
fair  price.  It  is  to  the  interest  of  the  general  public  that  all  no- 
tices of  elections,  looking  to  an  issuance  of  bonds  or  a  levy  of 
taxes,  as  well  as  financial  statements  of  cities  and  counties, 
schools  and  drainage  districts,  should  be  published  in  some  news- 
paper, that  all  may  be  properly  informed. 

The  difficulty  of  fixing  a  rate  for  legal  advertisements  and 
such  notices  as  are  of  general  interest  to  the  public,  which  should 
be  published  in  some  newspaper,  presents  itself  when  it  is  con- 
sidered that  what  might  be  a  fair  and  reasonable  rate  in  one 
paper  might  be  exorbitant  in  another,  and  vice  versa. 

29 


Chapter  III — The  Libel  Law 


NO  limit  can  be  set  to  the  power  and  the  influence  of  the  press 
when  the  press  is  free  and  untrammeled.  Error  is  harmless 
when  truth  is  left  free  to  combat  it.  Thomas  Jefferson,  author  of 
the  Declaration  of  American  Independence,  is  credited  with  say- 
ing that  if  he  had  to  choo.se  between  a  government  without  news- 
papers and  newspapers  without  a  government,  he  would  choose 
the  latter.  To  fetter  freedom  of  thought  and  to  muzzle  the  press 
has  ever  been  the  first  care  of  tyrants  and  of  corrupt  politicians 
and  place-holders.  ''Men  love  darkness  rather  than  light,  because 
their  deeds  are  evil."  Richard  Brinsley  Sheridan,  "a  match  for 
Burke,  or  Fox,  or  Pitt,  in  the  Athenian  age  of  English  Parlia- 
mentary Government,"  said:  "Give  them  a  corrupt  House  of 
Lords,  give  them  a  venal  House  of  Commons,  give  them  a  ty- 
rannical Prince,  give  them  a  truckling  Court,  but  let  me  have  an 
unfettered  press,  and  I  will  defy  them  to  encroach  a  hair's 
breadth  upon  the  liberties  of  England." 

From  the  time  of  Texas  Independence,  through  annexation, 
and  up  to  1901,  there  was  no  law  of  civil  libel  on  the  statute 
books  of  Texas.  The  newspapers  of  the  State  were  hampered 
by  and  shackled  with  the  criminal  law  of  libel,  which  held  that 
the  greater  the  truth  the  greater  the  libel.  Effort  after  effort 
was  made  by  the  Texas  Press  Association  to  secure  the  passage 
of  a  law  defining  libel  and  enumerating  privileged  publications, 
but  without  success  until  the  session  of  the  Twenty-Seventh  Leg- 
islature. As  the  enactment  of  the  law  of  civil  libel  was  the  most 
important  legislation  affecting  the  newspapers  of  Texas  ever 
enacted,  a  recital  of  the  efforts  made  to  secure  the  passage  of 
that  law  should  be  of  interest. 

At  the  annual  convention  of  the  Association  held  in  Dallas 
in  1899,  to  go  no  further  back,  the  special  committee  on  libel 
legislation  said :  "The  absence  of  a  civil  law  in  this  State  on  the 
subject  of  libel,  and  conflicting  decisions  by  different  appellate 

30 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

courts,  have  resulted  in  confusion  and  uncertainty  as  to  what  is 
the  law  that  governs  the  business  of  collecting  and  publishing 
news  in  Texas.  Unlike  any  other  citizen  engaged  in  a  business 
enterprise  in  Texas,  the  publisher  of  a  newspaper  cannot  ascer- 
tain through  legal  counsel  what  are  his  rights  and  privileges  with 
respect  to  any  matter  submitted  to  him,  in  advance  of  his  action 
with  reference  to  it,  no  matter  how  innocent  and  laudable  may  be 
his  purpose.  The  protection  to  the  newspapers  acting  in  good 
faith  accorded  by  other  States  under  the  common  law,  which  is 
supposed  to  be  the  rule  of  action  here,  is,  under  Texas  judicial 
interpretation,  denied  to  the  publishers.  *  *  *  The  measure  of 
the  publisher's  offense  is  subject  to  the  variable  judgment  of  petit 
juries  and  the  publisher  is  wholly  without  legal  guide  in  pub- 
lishing matter  which  may  affect  private  character  or  business. 
As  a  consequence,  even  the  acts  of  officials  and  the  proceedings 
of  official  bodies  may  involve  allegations  or  circumstances  that 
can  be  distorted  and  made  to  serve  as  a  basis  for  litigation.  As 
no  two  news  items  are  exactly  alike,  and  no  two  public  events 
precisely  the  same  in  circumstances,  the  few  precedents  in  the 
courts  are  of  little  value,  even  if  they  were  consistent  one  with 
another.  At  his  peril,  the  publisher  must  decide  for  himself 
what  is  or  is  not  a  libel  and  abide  the  consequences  of  a  judicial 
determination.  Under  the  common  law  forms  in  force  in  this 
State,  a  newspaper  publisher  charged  with  libel  is  supposed  to  be 
guilty  until  he  can  prove  his  innocence,  the  reverse  of  procedure 
in  all  other  cases  where  violation  of  law  is  charged.  We  submit 
that  in  all  fairness  to  both  press  and  public,  publishers  of  news- 
papers are  at  least  entitled  to  the  same  consideration  extended 
all  other  citizens  of  Texas,  and,  when  they  offend  the  law,  should 
be  put  on  equal  footing  with  all  other  men  in  being  presumed 
innocent  until  proven  guilty.  Our  decisions  make  worse  than 
penal  the  discharge  of  the  highest  duties  of  the  press  in  standing 
courageously  for  pure  and  honest  administration  of  public  gov- 
ernment. We  urge  upon  the  legislature  the  public  necessity  of 
passing  an  act  embracing  the  three  cardinal  reforms,  to-wit : 

31 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  definition  of  libel,  the  specification  of  privileged  publications, 
the  elimination  of  the  presumption  of  malice,  by  leaving  the 
question  of  malice,  as  well  as  of  damages,  issues  of  proof  for 
the  jury  to  decide  from  the  evidence,  as  is  now  the  law  in  most 
other  States.  In  its  actual  operation,  the  libel  system  of  Texas 
is  without  a  precedent  in  English  speaking  lands  and  can  only 
be  defended  upon  the  grounds  that  are  assigned  by  despotic 
power  in  monarchical  forms  of  government  by  placing  limitations 
upon  public  information.  If  it  is  the  desire  of  the  people  of  this 
State  to  make  permanent  this  system,  we  respectfully  appeal 
to  them  to  do  it  in  the  form  of  statutory  enactment,  pledging  our- 
selves loyally  to  abide  by  their  will  and  decree.  We  submit, 
however,  that  insidious  and  gradual  encroachments  upon  the 
liberty  of  the  press,  made  without  authority  of  statute,  present  an 
issue  well  worthy  of  their  consideration.  It  is  the  public  who 
suffer  most  from  the  present  harsh  conditions,  because  they  are 
deprived  of  certain  proper,  wholesome  and  needful  information 
in  respect  to  judicial,  municipal,  county  and  State  matters.  It  is 
not  liberty  to  express  opinions  of  men  and  affairs  which  the 
press  asks;  it  has  that  now,  and  no  statute  or  lack  of  a  statute 
can  deprive  it  of  the  guarantee  of  the  Bill  of  Rights.  What  the 
press  asks  for  itself,  and  demands  for  the  public,  is  emancipation 
from  conflicting  court  decisions  which  are  at  present  the  only 
rules  of  civil  libel,  and  relief  from  collusive  litigation  which  is 
not  designed  to  recover  damages  for  real  injuries,  but  to  extort 
the  proverbial  'bad  compromise  which  is  better  than  a  good  law- 
suit.' And  the  concern  is  more  the  public's  than  the  newspapers', 
because  the  public  cannot  know  what  is  doing  in  courts,  city 
councils,  commissions,  legislatures,  and  the  various  departments 
and  bureaus,  unless  the  newspapers  publish  the  transactions ;  and 
assuredly  the  people  are  entitled  to  know  every  official  act  or 
revelation  of  any  and  all  their  representatives  and  servants.  The 
press  of  Texas  asks  for  the  enactment  of  a  law  upon  the  subject 
of  libel  that  will  affirmatively  fix  the  statutes,  announce  the  privi- 
leges, and  set  the  limitations  upon  the  press." 

32 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Time  dragged  its  weary  length,  and  still  the  honest  prayer 
of  the  press  was  ignored  and  the  relief  prayed  for  was  refused. 
Strange,  passing  strange,  when  we  look  back  to  it,  that  this  was 
so. 

At  the  annual  convention  of  the  Association,  held  in  Bren- 
ham  in  1900,  the  committee  on  legislation  reported: 

"At  the  last  regular  session  of  the  legislature,  the  efforts 
of  our  friends  in  that  body  to  secure  the  enactment  of  libej.  legis- 
lation proved  abortive.  *  *  *  At  the  extra  session,  held  but  a 
few  weeks  ago,  Governor  Sayers  was  kind  enough  to  name  libel 
as  one  of  the  subjects  of  legislation.  A  libel  law  was  intro- 
duced, but  shared  the  fate  that  had  befallen  so  many  other  bills 
of  like  nature.  There  seems  scarcely  any  doubt  on  the  part  of 
newspaper  people  as  to  the  desirableness  of  libel  legislation  and 
the  enactment  of  such  a  law  as  will  define  libel  so  plainly  that 
all  may  know  with  certainty  what  libel  is,  and  so  fair  that  both 
the  public  and  publishers  will  be  protected.  Not  only  should 
libel  be  defined,  that  all  may  know  what  is  the  law,  but  privileged 
communications  should  be  defined  to  the  end  that  all  may  know 
what  may  and  what  may  not  be  printed.  A  few  months  ago,  a 
scandal  growing  out  of  the  management  of  one  of  our  penal 
institutions  was  the  subject  of  legislative  investigation,  yet  not 
a  publisher  dared  to  inform  the  public  of  matters  connected  there- 
with, which  were  of  public  interest  and  of  which  the  public 
should  have  been  informed  *  *  *  ." 

The  following  letter,  written  by  Hon.  E.  G.  Senter,  attorney 
for  the  Association,  to  Governor  Joseph  D.  Sayers,  shows  in 
plain  and  concise  language  the  hardships  and  limitations  the  libel 
law  worked  upon  the  honest  publishers  who  were  not  "execution 
proof,"  and  is  a  splendid  exposition  of  the  iniquitous  libel  law 
as  administered  in  Texas,  and  which  prevailed  until  the  Twenty- 
seventh  Legislature  gave  the  press  partial  relief: 

"Dallas,  Texas,  February  5,  1900. 
Hon.  Jos.  D.  Sayers,  Governor,  Austin,  Texas. 

Dear  Sir:     The  grounds  of  just  complaint  that  Texas  pub- 

33 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

lishers  have  against  what  may  be  called  the  judicial  libel  law  of 
Texas  concisely  stated  relate  to: 

"1.  The  presumption  of  malice  where  malice  does  not  in 
fact  exist,  upon  which  presumptive  damages  to  an  indefinite 
amount  may  be  based. 

"2.  The  presumption  of  damages  where  no  damages  in  fact 
exist.  Under  the  common  law  rule,  recognized  in  most  other 
States,  and  in  England,  this  presumption  extends  only  to  publica- 
tions that  are  classed  as  libels  per  se.  By  late  decisions  of  the 
Courts  of  Civil  Appeals  in  Texas,  which  may  or  may  not  be 
upheld  by  the  Supreme  Court,  all  limitations  are  in  effect  removed 
from  the  operation  of  this  rule  and  the  juries  are  left  free  to  as- 
sess such  damages  as  they  choose  to  give,  without  regard  to  the 
nature  of  the  libel.  It  is  only  necessary  that  they  shall  find  that 
its  tendency  is  to  do  injury.  (See  Brown  vs.  Durham,  42  S.  W. 
331.) 

"3.  The  inclusion  of  injury  to  feelings  in  actual  damages, 
(Belo  vs.  Fuller,  19  S.  W.  616.)  In  the  case  of  Houston  Print- 
ing Company  vs.  Moulden  (41  S.  W.  381),  damages  were  given 
in  the  sum  of  $1,000  as  actual  damages,  based  solely  upon  the 
testimony  of  the  plaintiff  that  he  couldn't  tell  how  he  felt  be- 
cause of  the  publication ;  that  he  was  'considerably  worried'  by  it. 

"4.  The  legal  imputation  by  innuendo  of  a  meaning  to  pub- 
lications, contrary  to  the  ordinary  rules  of  language,  to  the  in- 
tent of  the  publishers,  and  to  the  understanding  of  the  public. 
(See  Dement  vs.  Houston  Printing  Company,  37  S.  W.  985; 
44  S.  W.  558;  Democrat  Pub.  Co.  vs.  Jones,  18  S.  W.  652;  Belo 
vs.  Fuller,  19  S.  W.  616;  Belo  vs.  Smith,  40  S.  W.  856). 

''5.  The  lack  of  a  plain,  simple  rule  defining  privileged 
matter. 

"The  Texas  doctrine  upon  these  subjects  is  in  some  important 
respects  unsettled.  Some  of  the  divisions  of  the  Court  of  Civil 
Appeals  are  at  variance  with  each  other,  and  others  seem  to  de- 
part from  rules  and  principles  that  have  been  laid  down  by  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  State.  For  instance,  that  Court  in  the 

34 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

case  of  Zeliff  vs.  Jennings  (6!  Texas  466)  held  that  to  be  a 
libel  per  se  a  publication  must  impute  moral  turpitude,  and  that 
it  was  not  sufficient  to  bring  it  within  that  category  that  it  should 
charge  a  violation  of  the  law.  The  crime  must  be  such  as  would 
tend  to  disgrace  the  person  in  the  estimation  of  society.  This 
doctrine  has  been  so  changed  by  later  decisions  that  no  lawyer  in 
Texas  would  now  dare  to  undertake  to  say  what  is  a  libel  per  se, 
justifying  general  damages  without  proof  of  loss  or  injury.  Pub- 
lishers have  good  reason  to  fear  that  they  are  left  absolutely 
to  the  mercy  of  a  jury,  which  is  without  legal  chart  or  compass, 
but  is  invested  with  power  to  give  free  rein  to  passion  or  preju- 
dice, and  has  the  assurance  that  there  is  no  rule  of  law  to  re- 
strain its  action,  however  unjust  that  may  be.  The  practical 
effect  of  the  law  is  to  subject  a  publisher  to  attack  in  any  county 
in  the  State,  to  be  selected  by  the  plaintiff,  and  to  submit  the  case 
to  twelve  citizens  with  general  authority  to  render  such  judgment 
as  they  see  fit  to  give,  the  only  real  function  performed  by  the 
Court  being  to  regulate  the  selection  of  the  jury.  In  no  other 
litigation,  of  whatsoever  character,  or  however  meretricious  may 
be  the  conduct  complained  of,  is  there  such  an  entire  lack  of 
judicial  rules  controlling  the  trial  and  the  result  of  the  case.  It 
is  submitted  that  under  no  other  circumstances  is  the  plaintiff's 
testimony  as  to  his  feelings  sufficient  basis  for  a  judgment  for  an 
indefinite  sum,  even  though  the  defendant  may  be  entirely  inno- 
cent of  any  wrongful  intent,  and  the  publication  may  have  been 
made  by  him  from  praiseworthy  motives. 

"In  Patton  vs.  Belo  (14  S.  W.  1037),  a  decision  rendered 
by  the  Commission  of  Appeals,  and  approved  by  the  Supreme 
Court,  it  was  suggested  that  the  presumption  of  malice  arising 
from  a  false  publication  might  be  rebutted  'by  proof  of  circum- 
stances showing  the  defendant's  motives  in  making  the  publica- 
tion were  proper/  and  there  being  no  further  evidence  of  malice 
a  verdict  for  the  defendant  was  properly  rendered.  It  is  diffi- 
cult to  reconcile  some  of  the  later  decisions  with  this  doctrine. 

"There  is  no  rule  to  which  the  publisher  can  safely  look  for 

35 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

information  as  to  what  constitutes  privileged  matter.  The  pub- 
lication complained  of  in  Belo  vs.  Wren  (63  Texas  686)  was 
made  upon  the  advice  of  two  of  the  most  distinguished  lawyers 
in  Texas,  one  of  whom  sat  upon  the  Supreme  bench  when  the 
case  was  decided  (not  participating  in  the  hearing).  The  defend- 
ant published  the  matter  upon  this  assurance,  which  it  deemed 
conclusive  that  it  was  privileged.  The  Supreme  Court  held  other- 
wise. What  is  privileged  matter,  in  the  present  confused'  state 
of  the  law,  can  only  be  determined  on  appeal  to  the  higher  courts. 
It  is  submitted  that  every  citizen  engaged  in  a  lawful  business 
should  be  able  to  ascertain  the  rules  of  the  law  that  govern  his 
business,  and  to  measure  his  responsibility  for  any  action  in  con- 
nection therewith  before  it  is  taken. 

"Much  of  the  information  that  the  public  demands  from  a 
newspaper  is  often  offensive  or  unpleasant  to  somebody.  Judi- 
cial ascertainment  of  facts  in  controversy  is  reached  only  after 
long  investigation,  and  with  all  the  processes  of  the  courts  avail- 
able, and  then  it  frequently  happens  that  erroneous  verdicts  are 
returned.  In  dealing  with  such  matters,  it  may  easily  happen 
that  the  publishers,  in  spite  of  the  utmost  diligence,  will  some- 
times make  mistakes.  It  is  submitted  that  when  a  mistake  is 
thus  innocently  made,  and  every  effort  is  made  to  correct  it  and 
to  prevent  damage,  the  publisher  should  be  liable  only  for  such 
actual  damage  as  may  result  from  the  publication,  and  that  to 
levy  in  such  a  case,  under  fictions  of  law  repugnant  to  a  common 
sense  of  justice,  penalties  more  severe  than  are  assessed  for 
grave  and  wilful  crimes  against  society,  is  not  conducive  to  the 
welfare  of  the  public  or  promotive  of  any  good  end  or  whole- 
some design. 

"The  measure  which  has  been  submitted  by  the  press  of 
Texas,  acting  through  a  committee  of  the  State  Press  Associa- 
tion, proposes  to  deal  only  with  cases  in  which  the  publication 
shall  be  shown  to  have  been  innocently  made  and  for  legitimate 
ends;  it  is  the  general  sentiment  of  the  press  that  where  im- 

36 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

proper  motives  exist  for  a  publication  no  good  reason  can  be 
shown  for  a  change  in  the  present  law. 

"Very  truly  yours, 
"E.  G.  SENTER,,  Atty.  for  T.  P.  A." 

The  following  was  suggested  by  the  committee  as  embody- 
ing the  views  of  the  press  of  Texas  on  the  subject  of  libel,  and 
was  presented  to  the  Legislature  with  a  request  that  it  be  enacted 
into  law: 

"Be  it  enacted  by  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Texas: 

"Section  1.  In  any  action  for  damages  brought  for  the  pub- 
lication of  a  libel  in  any  newspaper  or  periodical  devoted  to  the 
publication  of  general  news,  science  or  literature,  the  plaintiff 
shall  recover  only  such  special  pecuniary  damages  as  may  be  shown 
to  have  been  suffered  by  him  because  thereof,  if  it  shall  appear 
on  the  trial  of  such  action  that  such  publication  was  made  in 
good  faith,  and  that  there  were  reasonable  grounds  for  believ- 
ing that  the  statements,  set  forth  in  such  alleged  libelous  publica- 
tion were  true,  and  that  its  falsity  was  due  to  mistake  or  misap- 
prehension of  the  facts,  and  that  in  the  next  regular  issue  of  said 
newspaper  or  periodical,  after  such  mistake  or  misapprehension 
was  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the  publisher  or  publishers 
thereof,  a  correction  or  retraction  was  published  in  as  conspicuous 
a  manner  and  place  in  said  newspaper  or  periodical  as  was  the 
libel. 

"Sec.  2.  The  publication  of  the  following  matters  by  any 
newspaper  or  periodical  as  defined  in  Section  1  shall  be  deemed 
privileged,  and  shall  not  be  made  the  basis  of  any  action  for  libel 
without  proof  of  actual  malice: 

1.  A  fair  and  truthful  report  of  any  executive,  judicial, 
legislative,  constabulary,  police  or  other  official  proceedings  or. 
action,  or  anything  said  or  done  in  the  course  thereof. 

2.  A  fair  and  true  report  of  public  meetings. 

3.  Reasonable  and  fair  comment  and  criticisms  upon  mat- 
ters of  public  concern,  and  the  official  acts  of  public  officials, 
published  for  general  information. 

37 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"Sec.  3.  On  the  trial  of  any  such  action  for  libel  the  de- 
fendant may  give  in  evidence  under  the  general  issue,  in  mitiga- 
tion of  damages,  the  circumstances  and  intention  under  which 
such  publication  was  made,  and  any  public  apology,  correction 
or  retraction  of  the  libel  complained  of  made  and  published  by 
him. 

"Sec.  4.  In  any  such  action  for  damages  for  libel  if  the  de- 
fendant shall  suggest  the  name  or  names  of  the  person  or  persons 
who.  furnished  the  matter  or  information,  the  publication  of 
which  is  complained  of,  by  notice  served  on  the  plaintiff  or  his 
attorney  of  record  on  or  before  the  return  day  of  the  term  of 
court  to  which  citation  thereon  is  returnable,  such  person  or  per- 
sons shall  be  necessary  parties  defendant  in  the  further  prosecu- 
tion of  said  action." 

But  this  bill  did  not  appear  to  harmonize  with  the  views  of 
the  lawmakers,  and  the  common  law  of  libel  as  interpreted  by  the 
Texas  courts,  more  drastic  in  its  interpretation  and  working  than 
the  libel  law  of  any  State  in  the  Union,  still  continued  to  fret 
and  shackle  the  press  of  Texas.  But  relief  was  at  last  near  at 
hand.  At  the  annual  convention  of  the  Association  held  in  the 
city  of  Houston  in  1901,  the  special  committee  appointed  at  the 
preceding  convention  reported  that,  "fortified  with  a  Democratic 
platform  demand  *  *  *  together  with  a  strong  recommendation 
by  Governor  Sayers  in  his  message  *  *  *  the  friends  and  ad- 
vocates of  libel  reform  in  the  Twenty-Seventh  Legislature  suc- 
ceeded in  securing  to  the  press  of  Texas  a  measure  of  relief  from 
existing  conditions  *  *  *  the  first  line  relating  to  civil  libel  ever 
incorporated  in  the  statutes  of  this  State."  The  law  reads: 

"A  bill  to  be  entitled  an  act  to  define  civil  libel,  to  declare 
certain  newspaper  reports  to  be  privileged  communications,  to 
allow  certain  matters  to  be  pleaded  and  proved  in  mitigation  of 
exemplary  damages  in  civil  libel  cases,  and  to  declare  an  emer- 
gency. 

"Be  it  enacted  by  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Texas: 

"Section  1.     A  libel  is  a  defamation,  expressed  in  print  or 

38 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

writing,  by  signs  or  pictures  or  drawings,  tending  to  injure  the 
reputation  of  one  who  is  alive,  and  thereby  expose  him  to  public 
hatred,  contempt  or  ridicule  or  financial  injury,  or  to  impeach 
the  honesty,  integrity  or  virtue,  or  reputation  of  any  one,  or  to 
publish  the  natural  defects  of  any  one,  and  thereby  expose  such 
person  to  public  hatred,  ridicule  or  financial  injury. 

"Sec.  2.  In  any  action  for  libel,  the  defendant  may  give 
in  evidence,  if  specially  pleaded  in  mitigation  of  exemplary  or 
punitive  damages,  the  circumstances  and  intentions  under  which 
the  libelous  publication  was  made,  and  any  public  apology,  cor- 
rection or  retraction  made  and  published  by  him  of  the  libel 
complained  of.  The  truth  of  the  statement  or  statements  in  such 
publication  shall  be  a  defense  to  such  action. 

"Sec.  3.  The  publication  of  the  following  matters  by  a 
newspaper  or  periodical  as  defined  in  Section  1  shall  be  deemed 
privileged  and  shall  not  be  made  the  basis  of  any  action  for  libel 
without  proof  of  actual  malice: 

1.  A  fair,  true  and  impartial  account  of  the  proceedings 
in  a  court  of  justice,  unless  the  court  prohibits  the  publication  of 
the  same,  when,  in  the  judgment  of  the  court  the  ends  of  justice 
demand  that  the  same  should  not  be  published,  and  the  court  so 
orders,  or  any  other  official  proceedings  authorized  by  law  in 
the  administration  of  the  law. 

2.  A  fair,  true  and  impartial  account  of  all  executive  and 
legislative  proceedings  that  are  made  matters  of  record,  includ- 
ing reports  of  legislative  committees,  and  of  any  debate  in  the 
Legislature  and  its  committees. 

3.  A  fair,  true  and  impartial  account  of  public  meetings 
organized  and  conducted   for  public  purposes  only. 

4.  A  reasonable  and  fair  comment  or  criticism  of  the  offi- 
cial acts  of  public  officials,  and  of  other  matters  of  public  con- 
cern published  for  general  information. 

"Sec.  5.  Nothing  in  this  act  shall  be  construed  to  amend 
or  repeal  any  penal  law  on  the  subject  of  libel  nor  to  take  away 
any  existing  defense  to  a  civil  action  for  libel,  nor  shall  this  act 

39 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

affect  any  suits  now  pending  or  that  may  hereafter  be  brought 
upon  a  cause  of  action  arising  prior  to  the  taking  effect  of  this 
act. 

"Sec.  6.     Emergency  clause." 

In  his  annual  address  (1901)  President  E.  W.  Harris,  who 
was  at  the  same  time  a  member  of  the  Texas  State  Senate,  said 
of  the  passage  of  the  libel  law,  given  above: 

"I  am  proud  to  state  at  this  time  that  the  Twenty- Seventh 
Legislature,  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  Texas,  placed  upon 
our  statutes  a  civil  libel  law,  reasonably  fair  and  just,  alike  to  the 
press  and  the  public.  For  years  the  injustice  to  the  press,  es- 
pecially of  the  absence  of  such  a  law,  has  been  dwelt  upon  in 
our  Association  meetings;  and  our  legislative  committees  have 
importuned  successive  Legislatures  in  vain  for  the  simple  justice 
guaranteed  by  a  plain  statute  defining  civil  libel  and  establishing 
a  rational,  uniform  and  just  method  of  adjudicating  libel  suits. 
For  several  years  the  entire  press  of  the  State  have  worked  in- 
telligently and  persistently  for  such  a  law,  but  our  legislators 
have  been  slow  to  respond  to  such  demand.  The  average  legis- 
lator does  not  seem  to  comprehend  the  true  relation  between  the 
newspaper  and  the  public — is  ignorant  of  the  duties  as  well  as  the 
difficulties  of  the  business;  is  blind  to  its  rightful  privileges,  and 
reluctant  to  give  to  it  that  consideration  and  protection  neces- 
sary to  guard  and  promote  both  its  interests  and  that  of  the 
public.  The  press  has  never  desired  that  it  be  given  license  to 
commit  wrong  or  to  injure  any  one.  It  has  only  asked  for  a  legal 
definition  of  libel,  and  for  an  enumeration  of  privileged  com- 
munications, that  its  property  might  not  be  in  constant  jeopardy 
from  the  designs  of  irresponsible  adventurers,  encouraged  and 
aided  by  the  inconsistencies,  contradictions,  and  legal  vagaries 
of  judges  without  established  rules  for  their  guidance  in  the  trial 
of  civil  libel  suits  against  newspapers.  Fortified  by  a  Demo- 
cratic platform  demand  for  reasonable  and  just  libel  legislation, 
supplemented  by  a  strong  and  emphatic  recommendation  by  Gov- 
ernor Sayers  in  his  message,  the  friends  of  libel  reform  in  the 

40 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

present  Legislature  made  a  determined  and  successful  fight  for  a 
libel  law  that  would  be  fair  alike  to  the  press  and  the  public. 
In  the  Senate,  the  bill  outlined  by  the  legislative  committee  of 
this  Association  was  made  the  basis  for  the  contest.  The  bill 
which  first  passed  the  Senate  was  in  reality  an  ideal  measure.  It 
gave  a  clear  and  explicit  definition  of  libel,  removed  the  pre- 
sumption of  malice,  provided  that  only  actual  pecuniary  dam- 
ages could  be  recovered  where  malice  was  not  proven,  and  de- 
fined fully  privileged  publications.  The  House,  however,  was 
not  so  favorably  inclined  to  a  just  and  fair  recognition  of  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  the  newspapers  as  the  bill  guaranteed, 
and  returned  it  to  the  Senate  materially  modified,  but  still  a 
reasonably  fair  measure.  The  bill,  as  it  became  a  law,  defines 
libel,  enumerates  privileged  publications,  and  makes  the  truth  of  a 
statement  published  a  complete  defense  *  *  *." 

So  much  space  has  been  devoted  to  the  subject  of  the  libel 
law  because  it  is  the  most  important  legislation  affecting  news- 
papers ever  enacted  in  the  State  of  Texas.  The  fight  for  relief 
from  the  restraints  and  restrictions  which  shackled  the  press 
was  long  drawn  out,  strange  to  say  in  the  most  Democratic  and 
cosmopolitan  State  in  the  Union ;  and  it  would  be  almost  beyond 
belief,  if  it  were  not  so  lamentably  true,  that  for  so  many  long 
years  the  men  of  the  press  were  treated  as  though  they  were 
dangerous  to  the  community  and  were  denied  the  same  rights 
and  privileges  that  were  enjoyed  by  their  fellow  citizens  in  all 
other  lines  of  business  and  endeavor.  But  right  and  truth  event- 
ually prevailed,  as  they  will  always  prevail,  and  the  men  of  the 
press,  like  other  men  when  charged  with  crime,  are  now  sup- 
posed to  be  innocent  until  proven  guilty.  The  day  of  the  pas- 
sage of  the  civil  libel  law  deserves  to  be  entered  as  a  red  letter 
day  on  the  calendar  of  the  Texas  press. 


41 


Chapter  IV — The  Anti-Pass  Law 


A  NOTHER  piece  of  legislation  which  affected  the  press 
*••  of  Texas  was  the  enactment  of  the  anti-free  pass  law. 
The  press,  realizing  the  great  evils  growing  out  of  the  use 
and  abuse  of  free  passes  over  the  railroads  and  other  public 
service  corporations,  made  such  insistent  demands  for  the 
passage  of  an  anti-pass  law  that  such  a  law  was  passed  by  the 
Thirtieth  Legislature  in  1907,  a  law  which  was  as  drastic  and 
as  far  reaching  as  could  well  be  made.  By  its  provisions  the 
newspaper  people  were  not  only  denied  the  privilege  of  free 
passes,  along  with  public  officials,  a  denial  which  did  not  af- 
tront  them,  but  were  denied  the  right  of  making  contracts 
with  the  railroads  exchanging  advertising  space  for  trans- 
portation over  the  railroads.  This  was  considered,  and  doubt- 
less rightfully  so,  as  a  piece  of  spite  work  on  the  part  of 
the  law-makers  to  punish  the  newspaper  people  for  "per- 
nicious activity"  along  that  line  and  to  give  them,  as  some 
were  quoted  as  saying,  "a  dose  of  their  own  medicine."  The 
press,  feeling  an  indignity  had  been  placed  upon  it  in  denying 
to  it  the  right  of  contract,  moved  for  a  modification  of  the 
law,  but  it  is  and  always  has  been  opposed  to  its  repeal. 

A  reading  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Association  will 
show  the  view  the  members  took  of  the  law,  and  the  senti- 
ment of  the  press  is  shown  in  the  following  address  to  the 
people,  setting  forth  the  anti-pass  law  in  its  proper  light, 
which  was  adopted  by  the  executive  committee  on  September 
7,  1907,  and  ratified  by  the  Association  at  its  following  an- 
nual convention : 

"Whereas,  It  has  been  charged  that  the  efforts  of  the  press 
of  the  State  of  Texas  to  relieve  itself  of  the  burdens  placed 
on  it  by  the  anti-pass  law  are  directed  toward  the  destruction 
of  the  whole  of  such  law;  and 

"Whereas,  This  alleged  fact  is  commented  upon  as  evi- 

42 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

dence  of  the  insincerity  of  the  press  in  demanding  the  making 
of  such  a  law;  therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  the  people  of  Texas  be  advised  of  the 
true  position  of  the  press  on  this  question,  which  is  as  follows : 

"The  press  of  the  State  stands  now,  as  it  has  stood,  for 
a  law  which  will  prevent  the  issuance  of  free  passes  to  offi- 
cials ;  because  such  courtesies  extended  by  corporations  to 
law  makers,  law  definers  and  law  enforcers  are  calculated 
to  blandish  and  balk  officials  to  the  destruction  of  a  pure  and 
impartial  policy  of  government. 

"But  in  the  enactment  of  the  law  the  Legislature  saw 
fit  to  restrict  and  prohibit  the  owner  of  a  newspaper  from 
exchanging  the  space  in  his  paper  for  transportation  over  the 
railways  of  the  State,  and  by  so  doing  deliberately  set  aside 
the  right  of  a  citizen  to  enter  into  contracts  which  are  not 
detrimental  to  the  public  good,  or  immoral,  or  depraving  in 
their  character. 

"Under  these  circumstances,  the  newspaper  owners  and 
members  of  the  State  Press  Association  feel  impelled  to  fight 
in  the  courts  the  inhibition  and  limitation  imposed  on  them 
therein,  and  it  is  distinctly  announced  that  the  press  of  the 
State  of  Texas  stands  for  and  advocates  a  fair,  impartial  law, 
undefiled  through  being  born  through  revenge  or  spite,  as  it 
has  always  stood,  and  that  the  effort  to  trim  the  present 
law  to  a  respectable  statute  is  directed  wholly  to  the  elimi- 
nation of  the  objectionable  provision  which  sets  aside  the 
newspaper  man  as  a  special  subject  of  prohibitive  and  re- 
strictive legislation. 

"Resolved,  That  the  press  of  Texas  has  never  received, 
and  does  not  ever  expect  to  receive  from  the  railroads  any 
transportation  except  in  payment  for  advertising  at  its  full 
value. 

"Resolved,  That  the  press  of  Texas  does  not  indorse  any 
system  under  which,  under  any  conditions,  newspaper  men 
shall  receive  free  transportation." 

43 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

But  there  was  never  any  contest  in  the  courts  over  the 
matter.  The  law  was  amended  later  on  so  that  under  certain 
conditions  the  railroads  may  advertise  and  pay  for  same  in 
transportation. 

For  awhile  it  was  feared  that  the  denial  of  the  right  to 
exchange  advertising  space  for  transportation  over  the  rail- 
roads would  materially  affect  the  attendance  on  the  annual 
conventions  of  the  Association,  but  such  has  not  been  the 
case; -'and  while  the  resentment  against  the  "spite  work"  has 
not  perhaps  entirely  died  out,  it  is  no  longer  given  voice. 


Chapter  V — The  Beginning  of  Printing 
in  Texas 


IT  is  believed  that  the  first  printing  press  in  the  territory  com- 
prising the  State  of  Texas  was  at  Nacogdoches  in  1819, 
operated  by  one  Horatio  Bigelow  who  hailed  from  Massa- 
chusetts. As  Texas  was  at  that  time  a  colony  of  Spain  and 
comprised  a  part  of  Mexico,  being  but  sparsely  settled,  if  in- 
deed it  could  be  considered  as  inhabited  at  all,  and  Nacog- 
doches merely  a  frontier  military  post,  the  press  was  perhaps 
used  principally,  if  not  solely,  for  the  printing  of  official  pa- 
pers, military  proclamations,  etc.  It  has  been  claimed  that 
Bigelow  at  times  issued  from  this  press  a  sheet  containing 
the  news,  but  this  lacks  authentication.  It  does  not  appear 
that  there  is  a  copy  of  the  Bigelow  paper  in  existence,  if 
indeed  such  a  paper  was  ever  published. 

According  to  Judge  A.  B.  Norton  who  should  have  been 
well  informed  on  the  subject  of  early  Texas  newspapers, 
having  been  one  of  the  pioneer  newspaper  men  of  the  State, 
and  whose  history  of  the  early  newspapers  of  Texas  is  made 
a  part  of  this  work,  the  first  newspaper  published  in  Texas 
of  which  there  is  any  authentic  knowledge  was  "The  Cotton 
Plant,"  which  was  published  by  Godwin  Brown  Gotten  at 
San  Felipe  de  Austin  in  what  is  now  Austin  county  and  near 
the  present  town  of  Belleville.  Its  first  issue  was  on  Sep- 
tember 29,  1829,  and  it  was  published  by  Gotten  until  July, 
1832.  It  was  a  four-page  paper,  three  columns  to  the  page, 
the  pages  nine  and  one-half  by  twelve  inches,  and  the  sub- 
scription price  was  six  dollars  a  year.  Judge  Norton  further 
says  that  in  January,  1831,  "The  Gazette  of  Texas"  was 
printed  on  the  same  press. 

The  first  steam-power  printing  press  was  introduced 
into  Texas  in  1850  by  Hamilton  Stuart  of  "The  Galveston 

45 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Civilian,"  which,  by  the  way,  was  the  first  daily  newspaper 
printed  in  Galveston.  Later,  in  1860,  "The  South  West"  was 
issued  from  a  power  press  in  the  city  of  Waco  by  W.  H.  Par- 
sons who  commanded  a  brigade  of  Texas  Cavalry  during  the 
War  between  the  States. 


46 


Chapter  VI — Printing  Plants  Then  and  Now 


HE  trials  and  difficulties  under  which  the  pioneer  news- 
1  paper  man  labored  in  the  days  of  slow  transportation,  by 
oxen  drawing  wooden-axle  wagons  for  hundreds  of  miles,  are 
not  now  realized  nor  perhaps  easily  imagined.  But  there 
are  still  "in  the  harness"  those  who  remember  when  the  news- 
paper man  was  "well  equipped"  who  had  a  few  hundred 
pounds  of  body  type  (usually  primer,  or  ten  point,  as  we 
designate  it  now-a-days),  a  few  fonts  of  job  and  ad  type, 
an  Army  or  Washington  hand  press,  and  sometimes,  though 
rarely,  a  job  press;  and  if  a  job  press,  no  doubt  it  was  of  the 
hand-lever  variety.  Paper  cutters  were  unknown  in  those 
pioneer  offices  and  paper  was  cut  along  a  "straight  edge" 
with  a  pocket  knife,  or  a  half  moon  knife  such  as  saddlers 
use.  Circulars,  letter-heads,  envelopes,  and  even  cards,  it  is 
said,  were  printed  on  the  Army  and  Washington  hand  presses. 
Cigar  boxes  were  in  demand  for  reglets,  strips  of  tin  were 
used  on  occasion  for  rules,  and  pieces  of  card  board  as  tem- 
porary substitutes  for  leads.  Every  office  manufactured  its 
own  rollers.  Makeshifts  of  many  kinds  were  of  necessity 
resorted  to  and  ingenuity  was  taxed  to  its  utmost ;  for  neces- 
sity had  to  mother  many  inventions  and  "improvisements"  in 
the  days  of  the  men  who  blazed  the  way  of  journalism  in 
Texas. 

The  hand  or  lever  job  press  gave  way  to  the  press  with  a 
treadle  as  the  press  with  the  treadle  is  giving  way  to  the 
press  driven  by  engine  or  electric  motor.  The  Army  and  the 
Washington  hand  presses  were  succeeded  by  the  Mann,  the 
Prouty  and  the  Country  Campbell  hand  cylinders,  each  in 
turn  an  improvement  over  the  other.  These  were  all  operated 
by  hand  power.  The  engine  used,  in  the  rare  instances  in 
which  there  was  an  engine  in  a  printing  office,  was  an  upright 
steam  engine,  and  the  fuel  wood. 

47 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  Mann  hand-cylinder  press,  which  doubtless  was  con- 
sidered in  its  day  a  great  invention  and  one  which  had  come 
to  fill  a  long  felt  want,  deserves  more  than  passing  mention, 
as  few  perhaps  who  read  this  ever  saw  one.  There  is  one  now 
in  operation  in  the  office  of  The  News  in  Carbon,  Eastland 
County.  The  frame  is  of  wood  and  is  twelve  feet  long;  the 
cylinder  is  of  sheet  iron,  is  twenty-six  inches  in  diameter, 
and  is  filled  with  sand  or  anything  else  to  give  it  weight.  At 
each  end  of  the  frame  is  a  feed  board,  and  the  frame  has  a 
gentle  incline  at  each  end  so  as  to  give  the  cylinder  an  easy 
start.  The  pressman  feeds  a  sheet  under  the  grippers,  turns 
the  crank  attached  to  the  cylinder  and  begins  to  walk,  turn- 
ing as  he  goes.  Arriving  at  the  end,  he  takes  off  the  printed 
sheet,  inserts  another  and  resumes  his  walk,  turning  the  crank 
as  he  walks  to  and  fro.  Compute,  if  you  will,  the  number  of 
feet  the  pressman  must  travel  to  turn  off  a  circulation  of  one 
thousand  on  a  Mann  hand-cylinder  press. 

And  now  compare  the  printing  plant  of  today  with  that 
of  pioneer  days !  Scarcely  a  "country  weekly"  of  today  but  is 
equipped  with  an  up-to-date  cylinder  press,  job  press,  or  job 
presses,  all  driven  by  a  gasoline  engine  or  electric  motor,  paper 
cutter,  stapler  or  wire  stitcher  (in  the  old  days  stapling  was 
done  with  a  pegging  awl  and  needle  and  thread),  perforater, 
punching  and  round-cornering  machines,  and  other  machines 
and  accessories  to  make  easy  the  printing  of  the  newspaper 
and  the  turning  out  of  job  work.  And  there  is  perhaps  a 
folding  machine,  a  Mergenthaler  or  other  type-setting  ma- 
chine, while  in  place  of  case  stands  are  cabinets  for  the  bet- 
ter care  of  type  and  the  economizing  of  floor  space,  and  many 
other  things,  now  accounted  as  necessary,  which  were  un- 
known and  undreamed  of  in  "those  good  old  days."  While  a 
few  hundred  dollars  measured  the  value  of  the  average  print- 
ing plant  then,  as  many  thousands  are  required  to  install  such 
plants  as  many  "country  newspaper"  men  now  possess. 

In  these  days  of  fast  printing  presses,  and  quick  compo- 

48 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

sition  on  typesetting  machines,  as  well  as  other  machines  and 
contrivances  which  make  for  the  easy  and  speedy  production 
of  the  printed  sheet,  it  is  almost  impossible  to  realize  that  the 
beginning  of  all  the  complicated  machinery  of  the  press  and 
composing  rooms  of  today  dates  from  so  recent  a  time  as  1803. 

Up  to  1813  little  progress,  we  are  told,  had  been  made  in 
the  making  of  books  since  the  days  of  Gutenberg  and  Caxton. 
For  a  period  of  three  hundred  and  fifty  years  all  printing  was 
done  on  the  old  platen  press,  the  almost  identical  counterpart 
of  Gutenberg's  invention.  The  press  used  by  Benjamin  Frank- 
lin, and  now  exhibited  in  the  National  Museum  in  Washington 
City,  is  a  fair  type  of  the  platen  style  of  printing  press.  The 
press  is  constructed  almost  entirely  of  wood  and  consists  of  a 
flat  type  bed  upon  which  the  forms  are  placed  and  above  which  is 
suspended  the  platen  or  impression  plate.  The  bed  is  rolled 
under  the  platen  by  the  "rounds/'  a  wooden  cylinder  and  straps. 
To  the  platen  is  attached  the  impression  screw  by  which 
power  is  applied  when  it  is  desired  to  make  an  impression ; 
a  pulling  of  the  handle  causes  a  revolution  of  the  screw  and 
forces  the  platen  down  upon  the  type  bed.  The  press  was,  of 
course,  operated  entirely  by  hand.  The  type  was  inked  with 
what  were  known  as  inking  balls.  These  consisted  of  pads 
of  leather  stuffed  with  wool.  The  balls  were  charged  with  ink 
and  rubbed  the  one  upon  the  other  until  there  was  an  even 
distribution  of  ink;  then  the  balls  were  applied  to  the  type 
with  both  hands  until  the  letters  were  properly  and  uniformly 
inked. 

"In  1798,  the  Earl  of  Stanhope  made  a  press  entirely  of 
iron  which  was  an  improvement,  though  not  a  radical  one, 
over  the  press  used  by  Benjamin  Franklin.  The  frame  was 
cast  in  a  single  piece  and  the  power  was  applied  by  a  combina- 
tion toggle  joint  and  lever.  The  machine  had  a  capacity  of 
about  two  hundred  and  fifty  impressions  an  hour  and  was 
considered  a  marvel  m  those  days. 

"In  1803  two  new  principles  were  discovered  which  in 

49 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

their  development  and  modification  have  made  possible  the 
marvelous  product  of  the  presses  of  today.  During  that  year 
Frederick  Koenig,  a  Saxon,  commenced  experiments  with  the 
view  of  making  the  then  existing  hand  press  more  rapid.  His 
idea  was  to  substitute  the  composition  roller  for  the  inking 
balls  and  the  cylinder  for  the  platen.  He  finally  succeeded  in 
inventing  a  machine  embodying  both  of  these  principles  and 
to  be  operated  not  by  hand  power  but  by  steam.  In  1812,  Mr. 
Walter,  proprietor  of  the  London  Times,  ordered  two  of  these 
machines  and  had  them  secretly  erected  in  the  very  next  room 
to  that  in  which  the  paper  was  being  printed  by  hand.  He 
was  obliged  to  conduct  the  work  clandestinely,  as  he  had  al- 
ready experienced  considerable  trouble  with  his  workmen,  who 
opposed  every  improvement  that  was  likely  to  interfere  with 
hand  labor.  Under  these  circumstances  the  work  of  construc- 
tion proceeded  very  slowly,  and  it  was  not  until  two  years 
later,  at  6  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  November  29,  1814,  that 
Mr.  Walter  entered  the  press  room  of  his  office  with  several 
damp  printed  sheets  in  his  hand  and  informed  the  astonished 
hand  pressmen  who  were  waiting  for  the  forms  that  the  edi- 
tion of  the  Times  for  that  day  had  been  printed  by  steam.  The 
press  was  capable  of  turning  out  eight  hundred  copies  of  the 
Times  in  an  hour,  a  marvelous  production  in  that  time.  Each 
of  the  machines  erected  by  Koenig  for  the  Times  printed  only 
one  side  of  the  paper,  so  that  when  the  sheet  had  been  half 
printed  by  one  machine  it  had  to  be  passed  through  the  other 
in  order  to  be  perfected.  The  first  improvement  on  the  Koenig 
press  was  made  by  Cowper  and  Applegath  who  contrived  a  modi- 
fication by  which  both  sides  of  the  sheet  could  be  printed  on  one 
and  the  same  machine.  The  principles  of  the  Koenig  and  Apple- 
gath machines  have  been  followed  with  more  or  less  diversity  of 
detail  in  most  of  the  printing  machines  at  present  in  use. 

"The  successive  improvements  in  the  Stanhope  press  were 
the  Columbian,  introduced  in  1817,  in  which  the  power  was  ap- 
plied by  a  compound  lever ;  and  the  Washington,  invented  by 

50 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Samuel  Rust,  in  1829.  In  1830,  Adams  applied  the  principle 
of  the  hand  press  to  a  machine  operated  by  steam,  and  known 
as  the  Adams  book  press,  capable  of  giving  from  five  to  seven 
thousand  impressions  per  day,  the  impressions  being  given 
by  raising  the  bed  upon  which  the  forms  rested  against  the 
stationary  platen. 

"In  1893,  an  innovation  was  introduced  into  newspaper 
printing.  This  was  the  colored  supplement.  *  *  *  The  idea 
had  long  been  a  fixed  one  in  tne  minds  of  newspaper  proprie- 
tors, but  it  was  impossible  to  carry  it  out  because,  up  to  the 
date  mentioned,  no  machine  equal  to  the  quality  of  work  re- 
quired had  been  produced.  The  press  which  finally  met  the 
requirements  was  invented  by  F.  Meisel.  This  press  not  only 
prints  in  four  colors  in  one  operation,  but  prints  on  both  sides, 
folds,  cuts,  and  delivers  the  sheet  free  from  smudge  or  offset. 

"The  type  revolving  printing  presses,  with  their  capacity  of 
from  ten  to  twenty  thousand  sheets  an  hour,  were  the  marvel 
of  their  time  and  did  good  service  during  the  Civil  War,  from 
1861  to  1865.  *  *  *  In  1863,  the  first  web  perfecting  press 
was  erected  by  Bullock,  and  the  printing  industry  experienced 
another  great  revolution  whose  ultimate  results  are  the  mar- 
velous machines  now  in  use,  capable  of  turning  out  from  fifty 
to  one  hundred  thousand  papers,  perfected  and  folded,  in  one 
hour.  The  Hoe  Octuple  press  was  considered  one  of  the  me- 
chanical wonders  of  the  world,  and  is  thus  described :  This 
press  printed,  folded  and  cut  ninety-six  thousand  complete 
eight  page  papers  per  hour,  or  sixteen  hundred  every  minute. 
The  press  is  fourteen  feet  high  and  twenty-five  feet  long;  it 
contains  eight  impression  cylinders,  each  cylinder  having  a 
capacity  for  eight  stereotype  plates  or  pages  on  its  circum- 
ference ;  the  paper,  of  double  width,  is  fed  from  four  inde- 
pendent rolls,  seventy-three  inches  wide,  one  side  being  printed 
upon  as  the  paper  passes  over  the  set  of  stereotype  plates  on 
one  cylinder  and  the  other  side  being  printed  upon  as  it  passes 
over  the  plates  of  another  cylinder.  The  paper  travels  through 

51 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

the  cylinders  at  the  rate  of  thirty-two  and  one-half  miles  per 
hour,  the  sheets  being  automatically  cut,  pasted,  folded  and 
counted  out  in  bundles  of  twenty-five.  Although  the  work  is 
automatically  performed,  after  the  press  is  started  it  requires 
the  work  of  ten  men  and  boys  to  operate  the  machine  and  re- 
move the  folded  sheets  as  fast  as  they  are  printed." 

Another  improvement  over  pioneer  days,  and  a  happy 
conception  it  was,  is  the  "point  system"  whereby  various  sizes 
of  type  are  now  designated  by  "point"  instead  of  by  name. 
The  pica  is  taken  as  the  unit,  and  a  point  is  one-twelfth  of  a 
pica  or  .0138  of  an  inch.  The  adoption  of  the  point  system  in- 
sures uniformity  in  the  size  of  type  bodies  of  the  same  point. 
Following  is  a  table  of  the  names  of  type  bodies  in  ordinary 
use  and  their  designation  by  points: 

Brilliant,  three  and  one-half  point;  Diamond,  four  and 
one-half  point ;  Pearl,  five  point ;  Agat€,  five  and  one-half  point ; 
Nonpariel,  six  point ;  Minion,  seven  point ;  Brevier,  eight  point ; 
Bourgeois,  nine  point;  Long  Primer,  ten  point;  Small  Pica, 
eleven  point;  Pica,  twelve  point. 

(Editor's  Note — This  paragraph  respecting  the  "point 
system"  for  designating  type  was  found  detached  in  the  Au- 
thor's manuscript.  It  is  thought  best  to  insert  it  here.) 


52 


Chapter  VII — Growth  and  Development  of 
Printing  in  Texas 


THE  growth  and  development  of  the  printing  business  has 
kept  pace  with  the  growth  and  development  of  the 
State.  The  first  paper  printed  and  published  in  Texas  was 
"The  Cotton  Plant,"  in  1829,  at  San  Felipe  de  Austin  near 
the  present  town  of  Bellville,  by  Godwin  Brown  Gotten.  It 
was  a  four-page  paper,  the  pages  nine  and  one-half  by  twelve 
inches,  containing  three  columns  to  the  page.  Of  the  equip- 
ment of  the  plant  and  its  value  we  have  no  means  of  knowing, 
but  doubtless  it  was  in  keeping  with  the  size  of  the  sheet  and 
the  then  poverty  and  sparse  settlement  of  the  country.  Of 
its  circulation  we  can  not  even  guess ;  but  as  the  country 
was  but  sparsely  settled,  and  "wilderness  was  king,"  it  must 
have  been  very  small.  In  1850,  twenty-one  years  after  the 
first  issue  of  the  very  first  paper,  there  were  thirty-four 'pa- 
pers in  Texas.  Of  these,  five  were  tri-weekly  and  twenty-nine 
weekly,  with  an  aggregate  circulation  of  771,524  copies  per 
issue.  The  United  States  census  of  1900  showed  722  publica- 
tions in  the  State,  of  which  83  were  dailies,  579  weeklies,  22 
semi-weeklies,  and  38  of  other  classification.  The  last  Federal 
census  (1910)  shows  that  Texas  ranked  as  sixth  in  the 
Union  in  the  number  of  publications.  It  accounts  for  1,067 
printing  establishments  in  the  State,  with  $9,234,859  invested 
in  printing  and  publishing,  and  a  payroll  of  $4,443,351  per  an- 
num. The  output  of  the  printing  presses  is  given  a  value  of  $20,- 
367,270  per  annum.  The  number  of  persons  engaged  in  the  indus- 
try is  given  at  7,177,  of  whom  4,408  are  wage  earners,  1,159  pro- 
prietors and  firm  members,  425  salaried  officers,  superintendents 
and  managers;  984  male  and  201  female  clerks.  There  are  3,876 
male  and  670  female  wage  earners  over  the  age  of  16  years 
and  254  male  and  25  female  wage  earners  under  the  age  of 

53 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

16  years.  The  average  circulation  of  the  publications,  per 
issue,  is  given  at  2,180,922,  divided  as  follows :  Daily,  330,562  ; 
Sunday,  302,189;  Weekly,  964,524;  Semi-weekly,  265,816; 
Monthly,  256,700.  Ayer's  Newspaper  Annual  for  1912,  shows 
1,010  publications  in  Texas,  divided  as  follows:  Daily,  96; 
semi-weekly,  29 ;  weekly,  808 ;  fortnightly,  1 ;  monthly,  66 ; 
quarterly,  2.  The  places  of  publication  number  592,  of  which 
222  are  county  seats.  Of  the  publications  issued  in  Texas, 
there  are  29  printed  in  German,  20  in  Spanish,  4  in  Bohemian, 
2  in  Swedish,  2  in  Italian,  and  928  in  English.  The  report  of 
the  Commercial  Secretaries'  Association,  which  is  supposed 
to  be  correct,  gives  the  aggregate  circulation  of  the  publica- 
tions of  the  State  for  the  year  1913,  at  4,123,000  per  issue. 


54 


Chapter  VIII— "Lest  We  Forget' 


AT  the  fourth  annual  convention,  1883,  resolutions  were 
adopted  on  the  death,  and  eulogies  were  pronounced  on 
the  character  of  our  first  president,  J.  W.  Fishburn  of  the 
Mexia  Ledger;  and  a  page  of  the  minutes  was  dedicated  to 
his  memory. 

At  the  seventh  annual  convention,  1886,  memorial  ser- 
vices were  held  in  memory  of  Hal  L.  Gosling  of  the  Castroville 
Quill,  second  president  of  the  Association,  and  a  page  of  the 
minute  book  was  devoted  and  dedicated  to  him.  Resolutions 
were  also  adopted  in  regard  to  the  death  of  Miss  Kate,  sister 
of  W.  C.  Bowen  of  the  Cotulla  Ledger. 

At  the  eighth  annual  convention,  1887,  resolutions  were 
read  in  regard  to  the  death  of  Granville  McPherson  of  the  Blanco 
Star-Vindicator  and  of  Willie  Spruance  of  the  Arlington  World, 
and  a  page  of  the  minute  book  was  set  apart  and  dedicated  to 
their  memory. 

At  the  ninth  annual  convention,  1888,  the  death  of  D.  C. 
Williams  of  the  Mineola  Monitor,  F.  D.  Allen  of  the  Gal- 
veston  Visitor,  T.  J.  Girardeau  of  the  Houston  Post,  sixth 
president  of  the  Association,  C.  J.  Pilgrim  of  the  Gonzales  In- 
quirer, and  Charles  DeMorse  of  the  Clarksville  Standard,  were 
reported  and  appropriate  resolutions  were  adopted.  Pages  in 
the  minutes  were  dedicated  to  the  memory  of  the  three  first 
named. 

At  the  tenth  annual  convention,  1889,  resolutions  were 
adopted  in  regard  to  the  death  of  H.  Smythe  of  the  Weather- 
ford  Times. 

At  the  twelfth  annual  convention,  1890,  the  deaths  of  W. 
T.  S.  Keller  of  the  San  Angelo  Enterprise,  and  W.  C.  Hill  of 
the  Bellville  Times,  were  the  subject  of  resolutions,  and  pages 
in  the  minutes  were  set  apart  to  their  memory. 

55 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

At  the  thirteenth  annual  convention,  1892,  the  murder  of 
W.  C.  Bowen  of  the  Cotulla  Ledger  was  made  the  subject  of 
resolutions  commemorative  of  his  virtues  and  denunciatory 
of  the  jury  which  rendered  a  verdict  for  acquittal  of  the  party 
charged  with  killing  him. 

At  the  fourteenth  annual  convention,  1893,  resolutions 
were  adopted  in  regard  to  the  death  of  J.  P.  Bridges  of  the 
Luling  Signal,  ninth  president ;  J.  F.  Mitchell  of  the  Greenville 
Banner,  twelfth  president ;  R.  W.  Coleman  of  the  San  Antonio 
Truth ;  Miss  Virginia  Gordon  Rock  of  the  Woodville  Eureka, 
and  J.  J.  Haggarty  of  the  Bellville  Times. 

At  the  fifteenth  annual  convention,  1894,  resolutions  were 
adopted  in  regard  to  the  death  of  Judge  A.  B.  Norton  of  Nor- 
ton's Union  Intelligencer,  Colonel  W.  L.  Malone  of  the  Fort 
Worth  Gazette,  Mrs.  Laura  E.  Foute  of  the  Gulf  Messenger, 
G.  R.  Parsons  of  the  Kerrville  News,  Mrs.  Amanda  Murray, 
wife  of  B.  C.  Murray  of  the  Denison  Gazetteer,  and  Mrs.  L.  D. 
Lillard  of  the  Fairfield  Recorder. 

At  the  sixteenth  annual  convention,  1895,  resolutions  were 
spread  on  the  minutes  in  regard  to  the  death  of  S.  M.  Carleton 
of  the  Ennis  Saturday  Review. 

At  the  seventeenth  annual  convention,  1896,  the  death  of 
Henry  Muller  of  the  Texas  Volksblatt  of  Brenham,  and  of  Mrs. 
Isabella  Von  Haxathausan  of  the  Texas  Zeitung  of  Houston, 
were  the  subject  of  resolutions. 

At  the  eighteenth  annual  convention,  1897,  resolutions 
were  adopted  in  regard  to  the  death  of  J.  G.  Mcllvaine  of  the 
Itasca  Mail. 

At  the  twenty-first  annual  convention,  1900,  eulogies  were 
pronounced  upon  the  character  of  Dr.  William  Martin  Yan- 
del,  fourth  president  of  the  Association,  and  resolutions  in 
regard  to  his  death  were  adopted. 

At  the  twenty-second  annual  convention,  1901,  resolutions 
were  adopted  and  eulogies  were  pronounced,  at  a  memorial 
service,  on  the  characters  of  John  F.  Elliott  of  the  Dallas 

56 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Times-Herald ;  Sam  Vernon,  nineteenth  president,  of  the  Co 
manche  Chief;  A.  H.  Belo  of  the  Galveston-Dallas  News;  J. 
K.  P.  Shirley  of  the  Weatherford  News ;  Mrs.  Napier,  wife  of 
T.  H.  Napier,  of  the  Winnsboro  Wide-Awake ;  Frank  Vernon 
of  the  Cisco  Round-Up,  our  loved  secretary;  L.  L.  Foster, 
seventh  president,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  president  of 
the  A.  &.M.  College. 

At  the  twenty-fourth  annual  convention,  1903,  the  deaths 
of  A.  H.  Freeman  of  the  Grandview  Graphic,  George  B.  Lov- 
ing of  the  Fort  Worth  Live  Stock  Reporter,  J.  H.  Alumbaugh 
of  the  Celeste  Courier  and  Frank  Templeton  of  Ennis,  were 
reported  and  suitable  resolutions  in  regard  thereto  were 
adopted. 

At  the  twenty-fifth  annual  convention,  1904,  Edwin  E. 
Overall  of  the  Fort  Worth  Railway  and  Industrial  Guide  and 
Dudley  D.  Bryan  of  Houston  were  reported  as  having  passed 
away  since  the  last  annual  convention  and  resolutions  in  re- 
gard thereto  were  adopted. 

At  the  twenty-seventh  annual  convention,  1906,  resolu- 
tions were  adopted  in  regard  to  the  death  of  former  Governor 
James  Stephen  Hogg,  Howard  E.  Wilson  of  the  Rockdale  Mes- 
senger, Mrs.  O.  P.  Gresham  of  the  Temple  Mirror,  Mrs.  W.  W. 
Dexter  of  Houston,  and  Colonel  R.  G.  Lowe,  Alfred  H.  Belo 
and  Thomas  W.  Dealey,  all  of  the  Galveston-Dallas  News. 

At  the  twenty-eighth  annual  convention,  1907,  resolu- 
tions were  adopted  in  regard  to  the  death  of  Tom  B.  Johnson 
of  the  San  Antonio  Light,  A.  C.  Scurlock  of  the  Cleburne 
Chronicle,  14th  president,  J.  S.  Henderson  of  the  Corpus 
Christi  Crony,  D.  L.  Beach  of  the  Gonzales  Inquirer,  and  J. 
H.  Stanberry  of  the  Mansfield  Sun. 

At  the  twenty-ninth  annual  convention,  1908,  resolutions 
were  adopted  in  regard  to  the  death  of  J.  C.  Mahoney  of  the 
Pleasanton  News  and  Sam  McGary  of  the  Beaumont  Journal. 

At  the  thirtieth  annual  convention,  1909,  resolutions  were 
adopted  in  regard  to  the  death  of  J.  D.  Ford  of  the  Timpson 

57 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Times,  P.  H.  Pardue  of  the  Alvarado  Bulletin,  and  Harry  W. 
Brown  of  the  Glen  Rose  Herald. 

At  the  thirty-first  annual  convention,  1910,  resolutions 
in  regard  to  the  death  of  Edgar  A.  Heath  of  the  Hico  News, 
R.  W.  Martin  of  the  Gatesville  Star-Forum,  to  whom  also  a 
page  in  the  minute  book  was  dedicated,  and  H.  H.  Thompson 
of  the  Floresville  Journal  and  Chronicle,  were  adopted. 

At  the  thirty-second  annual  convention,  1911,  resolutions 
were  adopted  in  regard  to  the  death  of  T.  Ernest  Streight 
of  the  McGregor  Mirror,  Elwin  A.  Thompson  of  the  Denison 
Herald,  J.  K.  Dunn  of  the  Inland  Type  Foundry,  and  J.  W. 
Graves  of  the  Graham  Leader. 

At  the  thirty-third  annual  convention,  1912,  resolutions 
were  adopted  in  regard  to  the  death  of  J.  F.  Kennedy  of  the 
Mart  Herald,  James  I.  Toner  of  the  Gulf  Coast  Record,  and 
Maury  Haltom  of  the  Nacogdoches  Sentinel. 

At  the  thirty-fourth  annual  convention,  1913,  memorial 
services  were  held  and  eulogies  pronounced  upon  the  charac- 
ters of  E.  W.  Harris  of  the  Greenville  Herald,  22nd  president ; 
J.  W.  Crayton  of  Abilene,  A.  O.  Robertson  of  the  Trinity 
County  Star;  S.  J.  Thomas,  26th  president,  late  of  the  Co- 
manche  Chief,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  Superintendent  of 
the  Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum  at  Austin,  and  T.  J.  Middleton  of 
the  Waxahachie  Mirror. 

At  the  thirty-fifth  annual  convention,  1914,  the  report  of 
the  Memorial  Committee  paid  tribute  to  the  virtues  and  ex- 
tended sympathies  to  the  relatives  of  the  following  who  had 
died  since  the  preceding  convention :  William  Wentworth 
Dexter,  Editor  of  the  Texas  Bankers'  Journal,  Houston;  Wil- 
liam N.  Furey,  Editor  of  the  Paris  Daily  Advocate ;  and  Jno. 
R.  Hedges,  Editor  of  the  Galveston  News.  In  the  committee's 
report  were  included  the  names  of  two  honorary  members : 
Clayton  West  of  the  West-Cullum  Paper  Co.,  Dallas,  and  Col. 
Frank  B.  McKnight  of  the  Southwestern  Telegraph  &  Tele- 
phone Company. 

58 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

At  the  thirty-sixth  annual  convention,   1915,  tributes  of 
love  were  paid  to  the  following  whose  labors  during  the  year 
preceding  had  terminated  by  the  "call  of  30"  and  the  sum- 
mons to  their  rewards  :    A.  M.  Kennedy,  Kerrville ;  D.  S.  Har- 
rison, San  Augustine;  Thos.  H.  Napier,  Dallas;  and  P.  O. 
Willson,  Taylor.     Added  to  the  above,  during  the  memorial 
service,  was  a  special  tribute  by  Hon.  Clarence  N.  Ousley  to 
Harry  Lee  Marriner,  "Staff  Poet"  of  the  Dallas  News,  who  also 
had  gone  to  his  reward  during  the  year  past. 
"I  can  not  say,  and  I  will  not  say 
That  they  are  dead ;  they  are  just  away. 
With  a  cheery  smile  and  a  wave  of  the  hand, 
They  have  wandered  into  an  unknown  land, 
And  left  us  dreaming  how  very  fair 
It  must  be  since  they  linger  there. 
And  you,  O  you,  who  the  wildest  yearn 
For  the  old-time  step  and  the  glad  return — 
Think  of  them  faring  on  as  dear 
In  the  love  of  there  as  the  love  of  here. 
Think  of  them  still  as  the  same,  I  say: 
They  are  not  dead ;  they  are  just  away." 
We  will  not  say  "Good-night"  to  them,  but  hope  that  in 
some  gentler  clime  they  will  greet  us  with  a  cheery  "Good- 
morning." 


59 


Chapter  IX — Print  Paper 


ONE  of  the  principal  factors  in  printing,  as  essential  as 
type  and  machinery,  is  paper.  The  origin  and  early  his- 
tory of  paper  as  a  writing  material  is  involved  in  much  ob- 
scurity. The  art  of  making  paper  from  cotton,  reduced  to  a 
pulp,  appears  to  have  been  practiced  by  the  Chinese  at  a  very 
remote  period.  Different  writers  have  traced  it  back  to  the 
second  century  before  Christ.  But  however  remote  its  age  may 
have  been  in  eastern  Asia,  cotton  paper,  we  are  told,  first  be- 
came available  for  the  rest  of  the  world  at  the  beginning  of 
the  Eighth  century,  when  the  Arabs  captured  Samarkand,  in 
704  A.  D.,  and  there  learned  its  use.  Its  manufacture  was 
taken  up  by  them  and  rapidly  spread  through  all  parts  of  their 
empire;  and  we  find  references  which  lead  to  the  conclusion 
that  paper  was  used  in  Rome  as  early  as  the  Tenth  century. 

The  manufacture  of  paper  in  Europe  was  first  established 
by  the  Moors  in  Spain.  Rag  paper  appears  to  have  been  first 
mentioned  about  1122  A.  D.,  and  linen  paper  evidently  was 
first  made  in  the  Fourteenth  century.  At  the  first,  paper  was 
made  entirely  by  hand,  but  in  1798,  Louis  Robert,  an  employe 
of  a  paper  mill  near  Paris,  France,  invented  a  machine  for  the 
making  of  paper,  which  gave  a  great  impetus  to  the  business. 
(The  Robert  machine  was  perfected  and  patented  early  in 
the  last  century  by  Fourdrinier).  This,  the  Robert  machine 
as  perfected  and  patented  by  Fourdrinier,  was  introduced  in- 
to England  in  1804  and  was  the  first  paper  mill  erected  in  that 
country.  The  first  paper  mill  was  introduced  into  the  United 
States  in  1820.  Since  that  time  machine  made  paper  has  sup- 
planted hand  made  paper  and  has  been  brought  to  a  high  state 
of  perfection  by  improvements  in  the  machinery. 

At  the  close  of  the  War  between  the  States,  publishers 
used  to  pay  twenty-five  cents  a  pound  for  book  paper  which 
can  now  be  bought  at  from  four  to  eight  cents.  Then  the 
commonest  kind  of  paper  used  in  the  printing  of  newspapers 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

cost  twenty-five  cents  a  pound,  whereas  it  can  now  be  bought 
at  from  two  to  four  cents. 

In  1860,  so  we  read,  a  German  by  the  name  of  Voelter  per- 
fected a  system  whereby  wood  pulp  was  substituted  for  rags, 
and  the  problem  of  cheaper  and  a  more  bountiful  supply  of 
paper  was  solved.  To  such  perfection  has  the  process  been 
carried  that  it  is  possible  for  the  tall  tree  of  today  to  be  made 
into  the  sheet  for  tomorrow's  newspaper.  But  while  the  credit 
seems  to  have  been  given  to  Voelter  for  the  discovery  of  the 
secret  of  making  paper  out  of  wood  pulp,  there  is  another 
claimant  for  the  honor.  A  dispatch  of  March  6,  1914,  from 
New  York  City  says:  "Augustus  Stanwood,  who,  watching 
hornets  build  their  nests,  half  a  century  ago,  conceived  the  idea 
of  manufacturing  paper  from  wood  pulp,  died  in  his  Brooklyn 
home.  From  old  fence  rails  and  dry  logs  the  hornets  observed 
by  Mr.  Stanwood  scraped  wood  fiber  and  with  it  constructed 
their  homes.  In  1862  he  built  a  wood  pulp  factory  which  still 
stands  in  Gardiner,  Maine.  Before  his  discovery,  paper  was 
made  chiefly  from  rags.  Mr.  Stanwood  was  born  in  Maine, 
seventy-five  years  ago."  But  let  the  credit  be  given  to  whom 
it  may,  the  discovery  that  paper  could  be  made  from  wood  pulp 
was  a  great  blessing  to  the  world,  because  it  insured  a  larger 
and  cheaper  supply  of  print  paper,  thus  cheapening  the  cost 
of  production  of  books,  newspapers  and  magazines. 

The  advancement  in  the  printing  business  within  the  past 
one  hundred  years  has  been  wonderful — yea,  marvelous.  But 
the  last  discovery,  and  the  last  improvement,  has  not  been 
made  in  the  production  of  paper ;  nor  has  the  last  improvement 
been  made  in  the  art  of.  printing ;  nor  has  the  last  invention 
yet  come  in  printing  machinery.  We  now  have  automatic 
feeders  for  both  job  and  cylinder  presses,  which  are  a  decided 
success.  More  and  more  hand  work  is  being  displaced  by  ma- 
chinery, and  one  can  but  wonder,  in  this  day  of  remarkable 
discoveries  and  inventions,  what  next  the  ingenuity  of  men, 
will  contrive  to  make  printing  more  rapid  and  more  economical. 

61 


Chapter  X — The  Duties  of  An  Editor 


THERE  is  no  calling  more  honorable,  nor  one  charged  with 
graver  and  greater  responsibility  than  that  of  the  editor 
and  publisher  of  a  newspaper.  He  should  never  lose  sight  of 
the  fact  that  his  duty  is  not  only  to  entertain,  but  to  instruct ; 
that  he  is  a  teacher,  a  leader  of  thought.  His  constant  effort 
should  be  to  keep  his  columns  clear  of  all  uncleanness  and 
to  see  that  into  them  no  evil  suggestions  creep,  nor  aught  that 
may  bring  a  blush  to  the  cheeks  of  modesty ;  to  make  his  paper 
so  clean,  so  free  from  all  that  is  impure,  and  so  reliable  in  its 
statements  and  declarations,  that  it  will  always  be  a  welcome 
and  honored  guest  in  every  home  to  which  it  is  admitted ;  to 
avoid  partisanship  in  the  publication  of  the  news ;  to  advocate 
and  seek  to  promulgate  only  those  things  which  tend  to  the 
mental,  the  moral,  the  social  and  the  material  uplift  of  men 
and  the  betterment  of  the  country;  to  be  charitable  and  tolerant 
of  the  opinions  of  others,  since  we  can  no  more  all  see  alike 
and  think  alike,  nor  model  our  lives  along  the  same  lines, 
than  we  can  all  wear  the  same  size  shoes.  The  highest  duty 
of  the  editor  is  to  seek  the  truth,  to  know  the  truth,  and  to  pro- 
claim the  truth,  with  due  regard,  however,  to  the  characters 
and  reputations  of  men  and  women,  the  happiness  of  families 
and  the  well-being  of  the  community.  John,  while  in  the 
Island  of  Patmos,  saw  things  which  it  were  not  lawful  to 
utter;  and  so  there  are  things  which  come  to  the  knowledge  of 
the  editor  which  were  better  left  unpublished  if  they  are  cal- 
culated to  bring  pain  and  strife.  The  editor  should  avoid  all 
unclean  subjects  and  unchaste  language,  and  those  things 
which  were  better  left  unsaid.  The  editor  should  live  and 
work  upon  a  high  plane,  and  seek  so  to  realize  his  duty  to  him- 
self and  his  fellow  men  as  to  feel  that  in  honor  and  dignity, 
in  usefulness  and  influence,  his  work  is  second  in  importance 
to  none,  it  matters  not  how  exalted.  He  should  go  about  his 

62 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

work  "with  malice  toward  none,  with  chanty  for  all,  with  firm- 
ness in  the  right  as  God  gives  him  to  see  the  right."  Let  him 
not  lose  confidence  in  his  fellow  men,  nor  despair  of  the  fu- 
ture, for: 

"There's  a  heaven  above  and  a  God  of  Love, 

And  a  father  who  will  fend ; 

And  life  goes  up  and  life  goes  down, 

But  it  all  comes  right  in  the  end/' 

The  duties  and  responsibilities  of  an  editor  are  as  great 
as  those  which  burden  the  shoulders  of  any,  barring  none.  He 
is  working,  if  he  rightly  understands  his  high  calling,  not  alone 
for  the  present,  but  for  the  future ;  and  not  alone  for  the  men 
now  on  earth,  but  for  those  who  will  come  after.  Lest  he 
forget : 

"He  wins  the  world's  applause  who  leads 

A  conquering  army  to  the  fray ; 

But  yonder  where  the  vulture  feeds 

Long  cherished  hopes  were  swept  away. 

He  merits  fame  who  has  the  gift 

To  thrill  men   with   his   eloquence, 

Or  out  of  worthless  chaff  to  sift 

The  golden  grains  of  common  sense. 

But  blest  o'er  all  the  rest  is  he 

Who  pens  a  line  that  travels  far, 

And  causes  fretful  men  to  see 

How  few  and  small  their  troubles  are." 
It  is  the  duty  of  the  editor  to  strive,  and  that  continually, 
by  every  honest  effort  to  increase  the  capacity  of  himself  and 
his  paper  for  good ;  to  work  to  make  men  happier  and  wiser, 
always  recognizing  and  making  all  due  allowance  for  the 
frailities  and  limitations  of  human  nature.  There  is  no  calling 
more  honorable  nor  one  carrying  greater  responsibilities  than 
that  of  editing  a  newspaper,  no  matter  how  humble,  or  how- 
soever circumscribed,  may  be  its  circulation.  To  leave  out  the 
bad,  to  insert  only  that  which  makes  for  good,  and  to  be  as 

63 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

careful  of  the  reputation  and  character  of  his  paper  as  he  is 
of  his  personal  reputation  and  character,  is  the  whole  sum  of 
an  editor's  work  when  it  is  rightly  considered.  If  a  paper 
does  not  commend  itself  to  the  public  and  command  the  pub- 
lic's respect,  the  blame  lies  alone  upon  its  management.  The 
world  seldom  misunderstands  or  underestimates  men ;  and 
while  we  may  complain  of  the  verdict  of  our  neighbors  it  is 
generally  correct. 

An  editor  should  print  the  truth,  the  whole  truth  and  noth- 
ing but  the  truth ;  but  there  are  truths  it  were  better  to  leave 
unpublished.  Paul,  the  great  apostle  to  the  Gentiles,  said,  as 
will  be  remembered,  that  all  things  were  lawful  to  him,  but 
that  all  things  were  not  expedient.  An  editor  should  publish 
the  truth  and  the  truth  only,  but  it  is  not  necessary  to  publish 
every  truth,  nor  is  it  the  part  of  wisdom  to  tell  all  he  knows. 
If  the  editor  is  the  man  he  should  be,  he  is  almost  "the  father 
confessor"  of  his  community,  being  the  repository  of  many 
secrets.  The  editor  should  print  the  truth,  but 

"If  you  see  a  tall  fellow  ahead  of  a  crowd, 
A  leader  of  men,  marching  fearless  and  proud, 
And  you  know  of  a  tale  whose  mere  telling  aloud, 
Will  cause  his  proud  head  to  in  anguish  be  bowed, 
It  is  a  pretty  good  plan  to  forget  it. 

"If  you  know  of  a  skeleton  hidden  away 

In  a  closet,  and  guarded,  and  kept  from  the  day 

In  the  dark,  and  whose  showing,  whose  sudden  display 

Would  cause  grief,  and  sorrow,  and  lifelong  dismay, 

It  is  a  pretty  good  plan  to  forget  it. 

"If  you  know  of  a  thing  that  would  darken  the  joy 
Of  a  man  or  a  woman,  a  girl  or  a  boy, 
That  would  wipe  away  a  smile,  or  the  least  bit  annoy 
A  fellow,  or  cause  any  gladness  to  cloy, 
It  is  a  pretty  good  plan  to  forget  it." 

64 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  Texas  Press  Association,  and  it  is  by  no  means  the 
least  meritorious  in  its  influence  for  good,  has  done  much  to 
raise  and  improve  the  standard  of  journalism,  to  increase  edi- 
torial dignity,  to  elevate  journalistic  ethics  and  to  insist  upon  a 
due  regard  to  the  proprieties  of  life  in  the  use  of  language  on 
the  printed  page.  Early  in  the  organization  of  the  newspaper 
folks  into  an  association  there  was  an  insistent  demand  for  a 
higher  plane  of  living  and  the  use  of  only  clean  language  in  the 
public  press.  The  Texas  Editorial  and  Press  Association,  at 
its  annual  convention  held  in  the  city  of  Houston,  in  1875, 
adopted  the  following:  "Resolved,  That  any  member  who 
shall  be  convicted,  after  a  fair  and  impartial  trial,  of  habitual 
drunkenness,  or  of  publishing  obscene  language,  or  of  com- 
mitting an  act  degrading  the  Association,  shall  for  the  first 
offense  be  reprimanded,  and  for  the  second  offense  be  dealt 
with  as  the  Association  may  determine.''  And  the  Texas 
Press  Association  has  been  no  less  insistent  upon  the  so- 
briety, good  conduct,  and  clean  speech  of  its  members  in 
their  papers. 

The  editor  must  bring  thought  into  his  work ;  he  must 
remember  that  thought  rules  the  world;  that,  as  has  been 
said,  "nothing  but  a  newspaper  can  drop  the  same  thought 
into  a  thousand  minds  at  the  same  moment."  The  editor 
has  in  his  hands  a  great  and  wonderful  power,  if  he  would 
only  realize  it,  a  power  beyond  any  in  our  civilization  if  he 
would  use  it  as  it  should  be  used.  Who  can  compute  it?  De 
Tocqueville  said  of  newspapers :  "To  suppose  that  they  only 
serve  to  protect  freedom  is  to  diminish  their  importance; 
they  maintain  civilization." 

Thought  rules  the  world ;  and  no  man  is  free  who  lets 
others  think  for  him  and  force  him  to  do  their  bidding. 


65 


Chapter  XI — Value  of  Newspaper  Files 


THE  publisher  of  a  newspaper  should  not  lose  sight  of  the 
fact  that  his  paper,  when  rightly  conducted,  is  a  record  of 
the  history  of  his  community — of  history  in  the  making. 
Hence,  his  duty  to  be  a  faithful  chronicler  of  the  news  and  to 
keep  the  record  straight ;  and,  hence,  the  value  attaching  to 
his  files  and  the  reason  they  should  be  carefully  preserved, 
for  they  are  day  by  day,  or  week  by  week,  as  the  case  may 
be,  the  sole  repository  of  the  happenings  of  his  community. 
From  them  we  may  gather  information  as  to  the  questions 
which  agitated  the  public  mind  at  the  date  of  issue,  of  the 
doings  of  the  National,  State,  County  and  Municipal  govern- 
ments,'of  the  men  who  were  prominent  in  the  upbuilding  of 
the  town  and  country,  of  the  improvements  made  and  pro- 
jected, of  the  state  of  the  weather,  of  the  condition  of  the 
crops,  the  prices  of  products  and  merchandise ;  and,  from  the 
reports  of  fashionable  functions,  we  may  learn  of  the  fash- 
ions then  prevailing ;  and  we  may  read  in  them  of  the  mar- 
riages, births  and  deaths.  In  short,  the  files  of  newspapers 
give  us  a  full  and  complete  history  of  the  communities  in 
which  they  are  published,  history  written  on  the  spot  and 
just  as  it  happened. 

A  writer  in  the  Atlantic  Monthly,  some  years  ago,  said: 
"When,  in  1887,  I  began  the  critical  study  of  the  history 
of  the  United  States  from  1850-1860,  I  was  struck  with  the 
paucity  of  material  which  would  serve  the  purpose  of  an  ani- 
mated narrative.  While  considering  my  materials,  I  was 
struck  with  a  statement  cited  by  Herbert  Spencer  in  his 
'Philosophy  of  Style:'  'A  modern  newspaper  statement, 
though  probably  true,  if  quoted  in  a  book  as  testimony,  would 
be  laughed  at,  but  the  letter  of  a  court  gossip,  if  written 
some  centuries  ago,  is  thought  good  historical  evidence/  At 
about  the  same  time,  I  noticed  that  Motley  (the  historian) 

66 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

used  as  one  of  his  main  authorities  for  'The  Battle  of  Quentin' 
the  manuscript  of  an  anonymous  writer.  From  these  two 
circumstances  it  was  a  logical  reflection  that  some  historians 
might  make  an  exaggerated  estimate  of  the  value  of  manu- 
script material  because  it  reposed  in  dusty  archives  and  could 
be  utilized  only  by  severe  labor  and  long  patience ;  and  that, 
imbued  with  this  idea,  other  historians  for  other  periods 
might  neglect  the  newspaper  because  of  its  ready  accessibil- 
ity." 

The  newspapers  of  a  time  mirror  to  us  the  sayings  and 
doings  of  the  men  and  women,  and  the  phenomena  of  nature, 
of  their  day.  In  their  columns,  the  world  passes  before  us 
as  a  panorama.  Bulwer  Lytton  said  in  the  English  House 
of  Commons:  "If  I  desired  to  leave  to  remote  posterity 
some  memorial  of  existing  British  civilization,  I  would  pre- 
fer, not  our  docks,  not  our  railways,  not  our  public  buildings, 
not  even  the  palace  in  which  we  hold  our  sittings.  I  would 
prefer  a  file  of  the  Times." 

There  were  no  railroads,  no  telegraph  lines,  no  telephones, 
no  electric  lights,  no  trolley  and  interurban  lines,  no  reapers 
and  mowers,  no  threshing  machines,  no  steam  plows,  no 
horseless  carriages,  when  the  printing  press  came  to  Texas; 
but  their  comings,  along  with  the  recital  of  other  things  that 
make  interesting  reading,  are  chronicled  in  the  files  of  the 
newspapers  of  the  State.  It  may  be,  as  has  been  said,  that 
you  can't  write  history  from  newspapers,  but  the  historian  who 
neglects  the  files  of  the  public  press  will  miss  a  great  deal 
of  valuable  information  and  material  which  can  be  found 
nowhere  else. 

Perhaps  this  subject  is  a  bit  out  of  place  in  a  history,  but 
the  subject  has  seemed  to  the  writer  so  important  that  it  is 
hoped  the  digression  wrill  be  pardoned ;  and  it  is  hoped  that 
the  calling  of  attention  to  the  value  of  newspaper  files  will 
have  the  effect  of  persuading  the  publishers  of  Texas  to  be 
more  careful  in  the  selection  and  preservation  of  the  files 
of  their  papers. 

67 


An  Editor's  Reflection  Upon 
a  Photograph 

Frances  McMinds,  School  of  Journalism,  Austin. 
(Expressed  by  proxy,  with  apologies  wherever  due.) 


The  T.  P.  A.  of  'Ninety-four, 

In  photographic  guise, 
A  group  of  faces  known,  yet  strange, 

Upon  my  desk  it  lies; 
A  mute  reminder  of  the  past, 

Those  time-dimmed  faces  show 
The  men  who  ruled  the  Texas  press 

Some  twenty  years  ago. 

Whole-souled,  great  hearted  fellows  they, 

The  knighthood  of  the  pen ; 
Right  gallantly  they  gaze  at  me, 

A  goodly  lot  of  men, 
With  here  and  there  a  woman's  face — 

Nor  strange  it  should  be  so, 
For  wives  were  watchful  then,  as  now, 

Some  twenty  years  ago. 

And  other  things  the  group  depicts 
That  now  would  make  us  stare; 

Mustached  and  whiskered  visages 
The  stamp  of  fashion  bear; 
And  yet  'tis  plainly  to  be  seen, 
Though  hirsutes  ebb  and  flow, 

The  bald  head  flourished  even  then — 
Some  twenty  years  ago. 
68 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

There's  Gilliland,  who  came  from  Baird, 

And  Cox,  called  "Mary  Jane," 
With  Lehmann,  Cullom,  Gaston,  too, 

And  Johnston,  known  to  fame — 
The  courtly  Colonel  from  the  South — 

All  these  their  smiles  bestow, 
Among  the  men  who  pushed  the  pen 

Some  twenty  years  ago. 

There's  Buie  in  the  topmost  row; 

Lee  Rountree's  handsome  face, 
And  Frank  P.  Holland's  gen'rous  phiz, 

Each  holding  honored  place ; 
Tom  Perkins  lines  up  with  the  bunch, 

And  Taylor — gallant  Joe — 
All  these  were  gathered  at  Fort  Worth 

Some  twenty  years  ago. 

J.  L.  McCaleb,  and  Adair, 

Had  answered  to  the  call; 
Fred  Robinson,  from  Huntsville  then, 

And  Johnson,  too,  from  Hall, 
With  fierce  mustache  and  lofty  brow — 

Ah,  little  did  we  know 
How  he'd  cut  up  as  Senator — 

Some  twenty  years  ago. 

But  where  are,  others  of  "the  gang," 

Will  Mayes  and  Bob  Ransone, 
Jim  Lowry,  Yantis,  and  the  rest 

Whose  names  we've  always  known? 
They  must  have  been  there — well,  perhaps- 

Ask  Colonel  Baillio; 
He  tried  to  keep  up  with  the  boys 

Some  twenty  years  ago. 
69 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

A  score  of  years,  and  one,  have  passed ; 

Our  ranks  have  rilled  apace, 
And  final  "Thirty"  has  been  called 

For  many  a  well-known  face ; 
But,  though  this  grand  old  T.  P.  A. 

In  strength  and  numbers  grow, 
Still  shall  we  honor  those  who  served 

Some  twenty  years  ago. 


Life  Members 

Holland,  Frank  P.,  Farm  and  Ranch Dallas 

Johnston,  R.  M.,  Post Houston 

Adair,  W.  A.,  Messenger Marshal! 

Mayes,  Will  H.,  Bulletin Brownwood 

Ousley,  Clarence  N.,  Record Fort  Worth 

Yantis,  R.  E.,  Review Athens 

Robinson,  Fred  B.,  Times-Herald Waco 

Lowry,  J.  H.,  Signal Honey  Grove 

Perkins,  Tom  W.,  Daily  Courier-Gazette McKinney 

Buie,  W.  J.,  Railway  Journal El  Paso 

Gilmore,  C.  E.,  Life  Member Wills  Point 

Johnson,  W.  A.,  Hall  County  Herald Memphis 

Ransone,  J.  R.,  Jr.,  Daily  Enterprise Cleburne 

Edwards,  W.  C.,  Record  and  Chronicle Denton 

Taylor,  Joe  J.,  News Dallas 

Harris,  D.  R.,  Rusk  County  News Henderson 


71 


PART  TWO 


Proceedings  of  the  Texas  Press  Association 

From  Its  Organization  in  1 880, 

to  1915,  Year  by  Year 


First  Annual  Convention — 1  880 


ON  the  19th  day  of  May,  1880,  a  meeting  of  newspaper 
men  was  held  in  the  parlors  of  the  Hutchins  House  in 
the  city  of  Houston  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  State 
press  association  and  out  of  that  meeting  sprung  our  present 
Texas  Press  Association. 

Major  E.  W.  Cave,  chairman  of  the  reception  committee, 
being  introduced  by  W.  V.  R.  Watson,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  arrangements,  made  the  address  of  welcome  on  behalf 
of  the  Cotton  Exchange  and  the  merchants  of  Houston,  after 
which  the  guests  were  escorted  to  the  Bohemian  Club  headquar- 
ters and  listened  to  the  reading  of  a  poem  written  for  the  occa- 
sion by  Mrs.  Lee  C.  Hardy  of  Houston.  On  behalf  of  the  guests, 
W.  P.  Wilson  of  the  Fort  Worth  Advance,  responded  to  the 
address  of  welcome. 

On  motion  of  Frank  Small,  temporary  organization  was 
gone  into,  and  Colonel  P.  E.  Edmonson  of  the  Flatonia  Argus 
was  made  temporary  chairman  and  F.  A.  Small  temporary 
secretary.  The  committee  on  permanent  organization  was 
composed  of  L.  M.  Green  of  the  Tyler  Courier,  E.  H.  Harris 
of  the  Paris  Banner,  W.  P.  Wilson  of  the  Fort  Worth  Ad- 
vance, J.  W.  Fishburn  of  the  Mexia  Ledger,  J.  E.  Muer  of 
the  Austin  Review  and  P.  E.  Edmonson  of  the  Flatonia 
Argus. 

The  committee  to  draft  a  constitution  and  by-laws  con- 
sisted of  A.  P.  Harris  of  the  Orange  Tribune,  W.  J.  Johnson 
of  the  Mount  Pleasant  News,  J.  W.  Burson  of  the  Denison 
Herald,  C.  H.  Hanson  of  the  Kosse  Local,  C.  J.  Pilgrim  of 
the  Gonzales  Inquirer  and  J.  G.  Rankin  of  the  Brenham  Ban- 
ner. 

An  address  was  made  by  Colonel  John  F.  Elliott  of  the 
Dallas  Herald. 

What  number  were  present  at  this  initial  meeting  we  are 

73 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

not  told,  nor  are  any  names  given  aside  from  the  officers  of 
the  temporary  organization  and  the  committees.  However,  we 
are  told  that  the  number  in  attendance  was  increased  the  next 
day  to  seventy-seven  by  the  arrival  of  V.  H.  Ivy  of  the  Whit- 
ney Bee,  R.  M.  Smith  of  the  Bryan  Pilot,  R.  G.  Lowe  of  the 
Galveston  News,  B.  F.  Stewart  of  the  New  Orleans  Democrat, 
J.  E.  Cooper  of  the  Georgetown  Sun  and  E.  D.  Linn  of  the 
Victoria  Advocate. 

Permanent  organization  was  effected  as  follows: 
President — J.    W.    Fishburn    of    the    Mexia    Ledger; 
Vice-Presidents: 

First   District — L.   M.    Green,   Tyler   Courier; 
Second  District — R.  W.  Loughery,  Marshall  Herald; 
Third    District— J.    F.    Elliott,    Dallas    Herald; 
Fourth   Distrkt — L.   K.  Tarver,   Corsicana  Observer-Index; 
Fifth  District— A.   H.   Belo,   Galveston  News; 
Sixth    District— W.   H.    Maltby,   Corpus   Christi    Free-Press. 
Secretary — Frank  A.   Small,  Telegram; 
Treasurer — Gail    B.    Johnson,    Houston    Post. 
Corresponding    Secretaries: 

First  District — H.  V.  Hamilton,  Tyler  Reporter; 
Second  District — E.    H.    Harris,   Paris   Banner; 

Third  District Garland,  Granbury  Vidette; 

Fourth  District — J.  G.  Batte,  Belton  Journal; 
Fifth   District — J.  W.  Jones,  Austin   Commercial; 
Sixth  District — E.   D.   Linn,  Victoria  Advocate. 
Executive    Committee: 

First    District — A.    P.    Harris,    Orange    Tribune; 
Second  District— C.  W.  Raines,  Wills  Point  Local; 
Third  District — J.  W.  Bur  son,  Denison  Herald; 
Fourth   District — J.  W.  Downs,  Waco   Examiner; 
Fifth    District — J.    G.    Rankin,    Brenham    Banner; 
Sixth    District — Frank    Grice,    San    Antonio    Express. 
The  motion  to  make  Judge  A.  B.  Norton  of  the  Dallas 
Intelligencer  vice-president   at   large,   "in   order  to   have  the 
officers   of   the   Association  of   different   shades   of   politics," 
failed  of  adoption. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  constitution  and  by-laws 
was  made,  but  the  text  is  no  where  given  in  the  record  of  the 
proceedings.  However,  mention  is  made  of  the  fact  that  the 

74 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

portion  of  the  preamble  of  the  constitution  naming  proprie- 
tors of  job  offices  as  eligible  to  membership  was  stricken  out ; 
and  a  lengthy  discussion  followed  as  to  whether  editors  who 
were  not  also  proprietors  should  be  admitted  to  membership, 
the  contention  of  the  objectors  being  that  editors  in  the  em- 
ploy of  proprietors  of  newspapers  should  not  be  allowed  an 
equal  voice  with  their  employers  in  the  regulation  of  their 
proprietary  management.  After  the  discussion  had  been\ 
carried  to  a  point  which  threatened  to  defeat  organization, 
a  compromise  was  agreed  on  to  admit  to  membership  edi- 
tors who  were  not  proprietors,  but  denying  to  them  the  right 
to  vote  on  questions  involving  expenditures  imposed  by  the 
Association  on  members  who  were  also  proprietors  of  news- 
papers. 

H.  L.  Gosling  of  the  Castroville  Quill  was  elected  orator, 
P.  H.  Peters  of  the  Sherman  Chronicle  essayist,  and  Miss 
Florence  Gerald  of  Waco  poetess. 

A  resolution  was  adopted,  reciting  that  it  is  to  the  in- 
terest-of  the  State,  judgment  creditors,  taxpayers,  and  prop- 
erty holders,  that  no  property  should  be  sold  in  the  State  at 
forced  sale  without  reasonable  publicity  given  through  the 
public  press,  and  instructing  the  President  to  appoint  a  com- 
mittee to  draft  a  bill  in  regard  to  public  printing  and  urge  the 
passage  of  the  same  by  the  next  legislature. 

The  need  of  a  paper  mill  in  the  State  was  mentioned,  but 
no  action  was  taken. 

A  motion  to  charge  advertising  agents  regular  rates  for 
advertising  was  tabled. 

The  committee  to  draft  a  bill  in  regard  to  public  printing 
and  present  the  same  to  the  next  legislature  was  composed 
of  J.  F.  Elliott  of  Dallas,  S.  D.  Wood  of  Tyler,  A.  C.  Gray  of 
Houston,  R.  M.  Smith  of  Bryan  and  A.  Seimering  of  San 
Antonio. 

Invitations  were  received  from  Dallas,  Galveston  and 
Houston,  but  the  selection  of  the  next  place  of  meeting  was 
left  to  the  executive  committee. 

75 


Second  Annual  Convention — 1  881 


THE   second   annual   convention   was   called   to   order   by 
President    Fishburn    May    11,    1881,    in    Pillot's    Opera 
House  in  the  city  of  Houston. 

It  being  announced  that  the  secretary  was  absent  from 
the  State  and  his  books  "not  available,"  a  committee  on  cre- 
dentials was  appointed  to  discover  and  determine  who  were 
members  of  the  Association.  At  the  evening  session  the  com- 
mittee reported  the  following  as  regular  members  (meaning, 
perhaps,  that  they  were  charter  members)  : 

J.  G.  Rankin,  Brenham  Banner;  H.  L.  Gosling,  Castroville  Quill;  G.  H.  Sweet, 
Galveston  Journal;  C.  E.  Gilbert,  Navasota  Tablet;  A.  P.  Harris,  Orange  Tribune; 
G.  P.  Miller,  Corsicana  Observer;  C.  W.  Raines,  Wills  Point  Local;  W.  J.  John- 
son, Mt.  Pleasant  News ;  Dave  Nation,  Brazoria  Independent ;  George  C.  Deming, 
Palestine  Advocate ;  Gail  B.  Johnson,  Houston  Post ;  L.  L.  Foster,  Groesbeck  New 
Era;  O.  O.  Nation,  Brazoria  Independent;  C.  H.  Hanson,  Kosse  Local ;  E.  D.  Linn, 
Victoria  Advocate ;  F.'  G.  Spann,  Brenham  Sentinel ;  J.  P.  Bridges,  Ruling  Signal ; 
G.  T.  Cooper,  Georgetown  Sun;  R.  M.  Smith,  Bryan  Pilot;  J.  W.  Fishburn,  Mexia 
Ledger ;  P.  H.  Peters,  Sherman  Chronicle ;  J.  W.  Burson,  Denison  Herald ;  E.  H. 
Harris,  Paris  Banner;  J.  T.  Elliott,  Dallas  Herald;  F.  L.  Yocum,  Palestine  Farm 
and  Orchard ;  E.  L.  Wepf,  Terrell  Times ;  D.  M.  Stovall,  Wood  County  Flag ;  H.  C. 
Jones,  Dallas  Times;  W.  P.  Draughn,  Giddings  Lone  Star;  J.  T.  Walker,  Terrell 
Star ;  T.  P.  Maddox,  Montgomery  Journal ;  S.  R.  Carothers,  Giddings  Lone  Star ; 
J.  E.  Shook,  Rusk  Observer;  A.  H.  Yeager,  Cleburne  Chronicle;  D.  C.  Wiilliams, 
Mineola  Flag;  G.  H.  Ivy,  Whitney  Bee;  R.  L.  Hayes,  Winnsboro  Sentinel;  Frank 
Grice,  San  Antonio  Express ;  P.  E.  Edmonson,  Flatonia  Argus ;  J.  W.  Baines,  Mc- 
Kinney  Advocate ;  T.  J.  Girardeau,  Houston  Post ;  Nat  Q.  Henderson,  Georgetown 
Record ;  C.  F.  Alterman,  People's  Vindicator. 

Sixty-three  new  members  were  received  at  this  conven- 
tion, and  the  names  of  T.  C.  Cain  of  the  Bastrop  Advertiser, 
T.  A.  Taylor  of  the  Austin  Wochenblatt,  and  W.  T.  Walker 
of  the  Texas  Law  Journal  were  reported  as  regular  members 
by  the  credentials  committee.  They  were  perhaps  a  portion 
of  the  original  seventy-seven  said  to  have  been  present  at  the 
organization  whose  names  had  not  occurred  to  the  committee 
at  the  time  the  report  was  made.  It  will  be  noted  that  while 
the  minutes  of  the  first  annual  convention  indicate  that  sev- 
enty-seven were  present  and  participating  in  the  organization, 

76 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

the  committee  on  credentials  at  this  convention  were  able  to 
account  for  only  forty-three,  or  forty-six  when  we  include  the 
names  of  the  three  said  to  have  been  omitted. 

The  committee  on  credentials  (H.  L.  Gosling,  J.  W.  Bur- 
son,  T.  J.  Girardeau,  E.  H.  Harris  and  Gail  B.  Johnson)  offered 
a  resolution  which  was  adopted,  to  the  effect  that  in  voting 
for  members  the  constitutional  requirements  be  adhered  to 
and  that  only  those  having  proprietary  interest  and  who  are 
bona  fide  editors  be  admitted  to  membership ;  that  the  Con- 
stitution was  explicit  on  the  subject  of  proxy  representation; 
that  no  one  is  either  entitled  to  membership  or  the  privileges 
of  the  Association  except  bona  fide  members  and  that  no  such 
representatives  (proxy)  of  members  will  be  recognized. 

The  following  new  members  were  elected : 

E.  C.  Huckabee,  J.  M.  Snyder,  T.  P.  Alexander,  S.  H.  Walker,  J.  L.  Terry, 
Menzies  Cummings,  E.  D.  Terry,  J.  C.  Cameron,  W.  W.  Williams,  W.  M.  Yandell, 
J.  A.  Knox,  Aleck  E.  Sweet,  M.  C.  Hill,  R.  J.  Stevenson,  C.  L.  Comer,  W.  P. 
Withers,  R.  W.  Haltom,  J.  W.  Golledge,  H.  H.  Ford,  L.  Nowell,  Byron  Drew, 
J.  M.  Fletcher,  James  P.  Jones,  J.  R.  Curl,  D.  N.  Dodson,  C.  J.  Pilgrim,  W.  A. 
Fields,  O.  W.  Dodson,  R.  T.  Milner,  J.  C.  Son,  J.  F.  Shaw,  Charles  Beall,  J.  W. 
Johnson,  E.  B.  Scott,  S.  A.  Fishburn,  P.  O.  Wilson,  John  W.  Leonard,  E.  F. 
Yeager,  F.  D.  Allen,  R.  J.  Redgell,  E.  W.  Shands,  A.  D.  Rust,  W.  H.  Pascoe,  T.  R. 
Leeman,  J.  H.  Davis,  J.  A.  Abney,  W.  T.  Walker,  C.  A.  Beuchner,  James  P.  New- 
comb,  W.  Forney,  George  B.  Loving,  W.  P.  Wilson,  Mrs.  Bella  S.  Swisher,  J.  W. 
Hill,  W.  L.  Graves,  E.  E.  Overall,  C.  F.  Jones,  Mrs.  S.  L.  McPherson,  Mrs.  L.  M. 
Mount,  F.  D.  Allen,  J.  K.  Street,  A.  L.  Cashell,  J.  H.  Julian.  (The  names  of  the 
papers  with  which  the  above  were  connected  are  not  given.) 

The  annual  oration  was  by  Colonel  Sweet.  Miss  Florence 
Gerald  of  Waco  read  a  poem  she  had  prepared  for  the  occa- 
sion. A  banquet  was  given  the  Association  by  the  Cotton 
Exchange,  Board  of  Trade,  Houston  Press  Club  and  the 
merchants  of  Houston.  Colonel  P.  E.  Edmonson  was  ap- 
pointed sergeant-at-arms. 

The  reports  of  the  President  and  Secretary  were  received, 
but  no  record  of  them  was  made  nor  mention,  further  than  that 
a  personal  explanation  was  made  by  President  Fishburn  in 
regard  to  the  reference  to  himself  in  the  Secretary's  report, 
which  he  considered  as  an  attack  upon  himself.  He  pro- 
nounced the  charges  made  as  false  and  asked  for  an  investiga- 

77 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

tion.  The  Association  refused  to  consider  the  matter  seriously, 
not  considering  it  an  attack;  but  a  committee  was  finally  ap- 
pointed to  investigate  the  Secretary's  report  and  make  appli- 
cation to  Mr.  Small  for  all  money  held  by  him  for  the  Asso- 
ciation. 

The  following  officers  were  elected : 
President — H.    L.    Gosling,    Castroville    Quill; 
Vice-Presidents: 

First    District — A.    P.    Harris,    Orange   Tribune; 

Second   District — F.    D.   Alexander,   Greenville    Herald; 

Third  District— W.  P.  Wilson,  Fort  Worth  Advance; 

Fourth  District — W.m.  A.  Fields,  Meridian  Blade; 

Fifth   District — P.   E.   Edmonson,   Flatonia  Argus; 

Sixth  District — C.  J.  Pilgrim,  Gonzales  Inquirer. 
Secretary — J.   W.    Burson,    Denison    Herald-News; 
Corresponding     Secretaries: 

J.    W.    Leonard,    Beaumont    Enterprise; 

B.   L.   Leaman,   North  Texas  Journal; 

Mrs.    L.    S.    McPherson,    Sherman    Democrat; 

J.    W.    Golledge,    Hillsboro    Mirror; 

Mrs.   Bella   Swisher,   American   Sketch    Book; 

James   P.   Newcomb,   San  Antonio   Evening   Light. 
Treasurer — Gail   B.  Johnson,   Houston   Post; 
Orator— E.  H.  Harris,  Paris  Banner;  W.  P.  Wilson,  Fort  Worth 

Advance,    alternate. 

Essayist — E.    D.   Linn,  Victoria  Advocate;    Miss   Kate   Efnor,   al- 
ternate. 

Poetess — Miss   Claudia   Girardeau;   Mrs.   Belle   Swisher,  alternate. 
Executive  Committee: 

First  District — O.  W.  Dodson,  Henderson  News; 

Second    District — Byron    Drew,    Kaufman    Sun; 

Third  District — J.  W.   Barnes,  McKinney  Advocate; 

Fourth   District — Nat  Q.   Henderson,   Georgetown   Sun; 

Fifth    District — C.    E.    Gilbert,    Abilene    Reporter; 

Sixth   District— Dr.   W.    M.   Yandell,   Seguin   Times. 

A  motion  was  made  to  print  two  hundred  copies  of  the 
proceedings  with  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws.  The  mo- 
tion as  carried  eliminated  the  printing  of  the  proceedings,  but 
provided  for  printing  the  roll  of  membership. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  consider  the  subject  of 

78 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

education,  the  wants  and  demands  of  the  people  on  that  sub- 
ject, and  to  digest  matter  for  consideration  at  the  next  annual 
convention.  The  chair  appointed  as  that  committee  T.  J. 
Girardeau,  W.  P.  Walker,  E.  H.  Harris,  J.  C.  Cameron  and 
George  H.  Sweet. 

Mrs.  Lillian  Randall  Clark  of  Dallas  read  "Lochinvar's 
Ride." 

A  resolution  that  the  same  charge  be  made  for  foreign 
as  for  home  advertising  and  that  pay  for  same  be  required  in 
advance,  provoked  considerable  discussion,  was  referred  to  a 
special  committee,  and  was  finally  laid  on  the  table  to  be 
called  up  at  the  next  annual  convention. 

Mr.  Medlenka,  of  the  Houston  German  Post  was  admitted 
to  membership. 

The  President  requested  the  Association  to  see  that  each 
bona  fide  member  be  furnished  with  proper  credentials ;  and 
th,at  notice  be  given  the  local  committees  of  the  city  whose 
hospitality  the  Association  shall  accept  at  the  next  annual 
convention  of  who  are  members ;  and  that  only  such  as  are 
members  be  recognized.  The  announcement  was  received 
with  much  favor. 

Invitations  from  the  G.  C.  &  S.  F.  and  G.  H.  &  H.  rail- 
way companies  to  visit  Galveston,  and  tendering  the  free  use 
of  their  lines,  were  received  and  accepted. 

The  committee  on  investigation  of  the  report  of  the  ab- 
sent secretary,  Frank  A.  Small,  submitted  resolutions  which 
were  adopted,  "disowning  and  resenting  the  reflections  cast  by 
Mr.  Small  on  our  late  president,  J.  W.  Fishburn,  and  our 
treasurer,  Gail  B.  Johnson." 

Besides  the  usual  resolutions  of  thanks  for  courtesies  ex- 
tended, resolutions  of  sympathy  were  tendered  the  family  of 
F.  R.  Connolly,  late  of  the  Marshall  Messenger;  and  to  the 
family  of  the  late  Mrs.  E.  H.  Gushing,  one  of  the  pioneer 
editors  of  the  State. 

Before  adjournment,  "President  Gosling  took  occasion  to 

79 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

pay  a  deserved  tribute  to  the  Association  on  account  of  the 
order  and  gentlemanly  bearing  which  had  characterized  every 
member  of  the  Association  during  their  present  visit." 

Houston  was  selected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting.  The 
excursion  was  to  California  and  it  is  still  talked  about  and  re- 
ferred to  as  one  of  the  most  pleasant  the  Association  ever 
took. 

Following  is  the  roll  of  members  of  the  Texas  Press  As- 
sociation as  reported  by  the  committee  on  membership  at 
the  meeting  held  in  Houston,  in  May,  1881 : 

J.    G.   Rankin,   Brenhan   Banner;   H.    L.    Gosling,   Castroville  Quill;  J.    F.    Elliott, 
Dallas    Herald;     C.     E.     Gilbert,    Abilene    Reporter;     E.     L.     Wepf,    Terrell    Times; 

E.  D.    Linn,    Victoria    Advocate ;    David    Nation,    Richmond    Nation ;    R.    L.    Hayes, 
Winnsboro   Sentinel;    T.    P.    Maddox,    Montgomery  Journal;    Geo.    C.    Deming;    Pales- 
tine   Advocate;    J.     VV.     Burson,     Denison    Herald-News;     G.     H.     Sweet,     Galveston 
Journal;    G.    P.    Miller,    Corsicana    Observer;    A.    P.    Harris,    Orange    Tribune;    J.    T. 
Walker,    Terrell    Star;    Frank    Grice,    San    Antonio    Express;    J.    P.    Bridges,    Luling 
Signal ;    W.    J.    Johnson,    Mount    Pleasant    News ;    P.    E.    Edmohson,    Flatonia    Argus ; 
J.     E.     Cooper,     Georgetown     Sun ;     J.     W.     Baines,     McKinney     Advocate ;     T.     J. 
Girardeau,    Houston    Post;    J.    W.    Fishburn,    Mexia    Ledger ;    O.     O.    Nation,    Bra- 
zoria   Independent;    C.    H.    Hanson,   Hubbard   City   Vindicator;    F.    D.    Allen,    Galves- 
ton Visitor;    Geo.    B.   Loving,   Fort  Worth   Live   Stock  Journal;    W.    P.   Wilson,    Fort 
Worth     Democrat- Advance ;     Mrs.     L.     S.     McPherson,     Sherman    Democrat ;     S.     O. 
Young,   Houston   Post;   A.    L.   Cashell,  Kyle  Nutshell;    E.    C.    Huckabee,   Waxahachie 
Mirror;    J.    L.    Perry,    Longview    New    Era;    W.    M.    Yandell,    SeTuin    Times;    W.    C. 
Hill,    Bellville    Times;    Byron    Drew,    Kaufman    Sun;    C.    J.    Pilgrim,    Gonzales    In- 
quirer;   Wm.    A.    Fields,    Meridian    Blade;    R.    T.    Milner,    Henderson   Times;    Charles 
Beall,     Lampasas    Dispatch;     E.     B.     Scott,     Stephenville     Empire;     J.     W.     Leonard, 
Beaumont    Enterprise ;    R.    J.    Ridgell,    Allen    Narrow    Gauge ;    A.    D.    Rust,    Giddings 
Plaindealer;    J.    H.    Julian,    San    Marcos    Free    Press;    J.    P.    Jones,    Dallas    Planter; 

F.  L.    Yocum,    Palestine    Orchardist ;    T.    C.    Oltorff,    Marlin    Ball ;    H.    V.    Hamilton, 
Tyler    Democrat-Reporter ;    Gail    B.    Johnson,    Houston    Post ;    L.    L.    Foster,    Groes- 
beck   New    Era;    Nat   Q.    Henderson,    Georgetown    Record;    D.    C.    Williams,    Mineola 
Hawkeye-Monitor ;    C.    A.    Beuchner,    Austin    Volksblatt ;    James    P.    Newcomb,    San 
Antonio    Light ;    J.    W.    Hill,    Comanche    Chief ;     W.     L.     Graves,     Graham     Leader ; 
Tom   C.    Cain,    Bastrop  Advertiser ;   J.    K.    Street,   Street's   Monthly,  Waco ;    R.    P.    B. 
Medlenka,  Houston  German  Post;   F.   P.  Alexander,  Greenville  Herald;   E.   S.   Perry, 
Wills    Point    Pointer;    A.     E.     Sweet,    Austin    Siftings ;    J.     W.     Golledge,    Hillsboro 
Mirror;    J.    M.    Fletcher,     Linden    Journal;    J.    A.    Knox,    Austin    Siftings;    O.     W. 
Dodson,    Henderson    News ;    J.    C.    Son,    Mineral    Mells    Star ;    J.    W.    Johnson,    Hous- 
ton   Post;    S.    A.    Fishburn,    Mexia    Ledger;    E.    F.    Yeager,    Waxahachie    Enterprise; 
E.    W.    Shands,   Austin    Railway  Journal;    W.    H.    Pardue,    Galveston    Civilian;    J.    H. 
Davis,   Mount  Vernon   Herald;    H.    C.   Jones,   Dallas   Union;    C.    F.    Alterman,   Dallas 
Volksblatt;    L.    M.    Green,    Tyler   Courier;    L.    W.    Rains,    Mineola    Hawkeye-Monitor. 


80 


Third  Annual  Convention — 1882 


THE  third  annual  convention  of  the  Association  was  held 
in  Lyceum  Hall,  in  the  city  of  Houston,  and  was  called 
to  order  by  President  H.  L.  Gosling,  on  April  25,  1882. 
The  roll  call  showed  the  following  members  present : 

J.  G.  Rankin,  Brenham  Banner;  J.  T.  Walker,  Terrell  Star;  T.  P.  Maddox, 
Montgomery  Journal;  O.  O.  Nation,  Brazoria  Independent;  S.  O.  Young,  Houston 
Post;  E.  S.  Terry,  Wills  Point  Pointer;  W.  A.  Fields,  Meridian  Blade;  E.  B. 
Scott,  Stephenville  Empire ;  A.  D.  Rust,  Giddings  Plaindealer ;  J.  W.  Burson, 
Denison  Herald-News;  David  Nation,  Richmond  Nation;  J.  W.  Baines,  McKinney 
Advocate ;  D.  C.  Williams,  Mineola  Hawkeye-Monitor ;  A.  L.  Cashell,  Kyle  Nutshell ; 
W.  M.  Yandell,  Seguin  Times;  O.  WL  Dodson,  Henderson  News;  S.  A.  Fishburn, 
Mexia  Ledger;  J.  H.  Davis,  Mount  Vernon  Herald;  H.  L.  Gosling,  Castroville 
Quill;  J:  P.  Bridges,  Luling  Signal;  Gail  B.  Johnson,  Houston  Post;  F.  D.  Allen, 
Galveston  Visitor;  E.  C.  Huckabee,  Waxahachie  Mirror;  J.  W.  Golledge,  Hillsboro 
Mirror;  R.  T.  Milner,  Henderson  Times;  E.  F.  Yeager,  Waxahachie  Enterprise; 
H.  C.  Jones,  Dallas  Union ;  G.  P.  Miller,  Corsicana  Observer ;  R.  L.  Hayes,  Winns- 
boro  Sentinel;  T.  J.  Girardeau,  Houston  Post;  W.  L.  Graves,  Graham  Leader; 
F.  P.  Alexander,  Greenville  Herald;  C.  J.  Pilgrim,  Gonzales  Inquirer;  W.  J. 
Johnson,  Houston  Post;  R.  T.  Ridgell,  Athens  Narrow  Gauge;  C.  F.  Alterman,  Dal- 
las Volksblatt. 

"In  addition  to  the  above  the  following  members  in  good 
standing  were  absent :  J.  H.  Sweet,  Galveston  Journal ;  J.  T. 
Elliott,  Dallas  Herald;  C.  E.  Gilbert,  Abilene  Reporter/' 

The  committee  on  membership  reported  the  following 
applications  for  membership  and  recommended  their  election : 

R.  G.  Luse,  Cisco  Round-Up ;  W.  T.  Hardenbrook,  Houston  Railway  Review ; 
L.  O.  Webb,  Pittsburg  Magnet;  L.  W.  Clark,  Bryan  Pilot;  C.  M.  Nation,  Rich- 
mond Nation;  F.  B.  Robinson,  Huntsville  Item;  A.  C.  Scurlock,  Cleburne  Chronicle; 
J.  N.  Connor,  Morris  County  Herald ;  E.  T.  Merriman,  Corpus  Christi  Free  Press ; 
A.  W.  Reiley,  Wills  Point  Local  Chronicle ;  John  Levin,  Brenham  Banner ;  J.  G. 
Batte,  Belton  Journal ;  H.  A.  Moore,  Brenham  Independent ;  A.  J.  Wilson,  Sweet- 
water  Advance;  John  Guthrie,  Bandera  Bugle;  O.  Hightower,  Cleburne  Telegram; 
C.  W.  Geers,  Denton  Monitor;  W.  T.  Roberts,  Gainesville  Register;  M.  D.  Lank- 
ford,  Quitman  News  ;  H.  W.  Martin,  Emory  Argus ;  J.  H.  Wofford,  Dallas  Observer ; 
C.  A.  Kessler,  Linden  Sun ;  A.  B.  McCans,  Gainesville  Driftwood ;  John  Hand, 
Galveston  News;  J.  F.  Archer,  Jr.,  Crockett  Patron;  T.  J.  Crooks,  Denison  Herald- 
News;  J.  L.  Lemons,  Caldwell  Register;  O.  L.  Crouch,  Cuero  Bulletin;  A.  A. 
Pittock,  Texas  Agricultural  Journal,  Hempstead ;  Tom  M.  Bowers,  Carthage  Watch- 
man; L.  A.  Heil,  Texas  Wool;  J.  R.  Robinson,  Railway  Advance;  J.  B.  Link, 
Houston  Baptist  Herald;  J.  H.  Sullivan,  Galveston  Journal;  L.  D.  Lillard,  Fairfield 
Recorder;  J.  F.  Mitchell,  Greenville  Banner;  J.  W.  McKee,  El  Paso  Herald;  Frank 
A.  Rust,  Ennis  Recorder;  S.  M.  Vernon,  Dublin  Gazette;  Charles  Culmore,  Houston 

81 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

German  Post ;  R.  P.  Kirk,  Schulenberg  Enterprise ;  A.  W.  Gifford,  San  Antonio  Light ; 
Frank  Gaston,  Meridian  Blade ;  J.  W.  Anderson,  Floresville  Chronicle ;  E.  WL  Harris, 
Henderson  News;  J.  G.  O'Brien,  Dublin  Enterprise;  W.  R.  Lotz,  Clarendon;  B.  M. 
Baker,  Columbus  Citizen ;  J.  S.  Penn,  Laredo  Times ;  E.  G.  Senter,  Cleburne  Tele- 
gram;  E.  C.  Hunter,  Sherman  Democrat;  J.  G.  Wood,  Mt.  Pleasant  News;  J.  M. 
Frazier,  Morgan  Sentinel ;  J.  M.  Donohoghue,  Navasota  Tablet ;  S.  H.  Newman, 
El  Paso  Lone  Star;  W.  A.  Abey,  Longview  Democrat;  A.  H.  Belo,  Galveston  News; 
P.  W.  Archer,  Crockett  Patron ;  R.  M.  Robinson,  W.innsboro  Sentinel ;  E.  G.  Rust, 
Dallas  Mercury ;  W.  M.  Bamberge,  printer,  Houston  ;  J.  M.  Snyder,  Citizen,  Austin ; 
S.  R.  Withers,  Texas  Greenbacker;  Vic  Rheinhart,  Texas  Knight;  C.  W.  Styles, 
Galveston  News ;  Sam  J.  Callahan,  Albany  Sun ;  J.  C.  Jones,  Pilot  Point  Post. 

J.  H.  Davis  of  the  Mount  Vernon  Herald  was  appointed 
sergeant-at-arrns. 

An  invitation  was  extended  by  local  Odd  Fellows  to  the 
members  who  were  also  members  of  the  order  to  attend  a 
picnic  the  next  day,  the  same  being  the  sixty-third  anniversary 
of  that  order. 

In  regard  to  the  proposed  excursion  to  San  Francisco,  the 
President  read  a  telegram  stating  that  the  Palace  Hotel  in 
that  city  would  give  the  Texas  editors  most  favorable  rates. 

D.  D.  Williams  of  the  Mineola  Hawkeye-Monitor,  A.  W. 
Gifford  of  the  San  Antonio  Light  and  E.  F.  Yeager  of  the 
Waxahachie  Enterprise  were  appointed  members  of  the  execu- 
tive committee  to  fill  the  places  of  absentees. 

The  committee  on  advertising  submitted  the  following 
resolution : 

"Resolved,  That  members  of  this  Association  be  required 
to  charge  not  less  than  $7.50  an  inch  per  year,  where  the  cir- 
culation to  actual  subscribers  does  not  exceed  500."  Consid- 
eration of  the  matter  was  deferred  until  the  next  day  when, 
after  much  discussion,  the  following  was  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  whenever  it  shall  come  to  the  knowledge 
of  any  member  of  this  Association  that  any  individual,  firm, 
or  advertising  agency  proposing  to  advertise  in  Texas  papers, 
representing  the  Association,  is  fraudulent  or  unreliable,  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  such  member  to  at  once  notify  the  secre- 
tary of  the  fact,  furnishing  that  officer  with  proper  evidence 
thereof.  Upon  receipt  by  the  secretary  of  such  information 
he  shall  promptly  forward  to  each  member  of  the  Association 

82 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

a  notice  of  the  fraudulent  or  unreliable  character  of  such  in- 
dividual, firm  or  advertising  agency. 

"Resolved,  That  no  member  of  the  Association  shall  charge 
less  for  foreign  than  for  home  advertising. 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Association  that 
it  would  increase  the  advertising  patronage  of  the  press  of 
Texas,  and  greatly  improve  the  tone  of  the  press,  if  those 
who  use  patent  sheets  would  exclude  all  advertising  from  the 
patent  pages,  except  such  as  are  contracted  for  and  the  rates 
fixed  by  the  publisher." 

The  adoption  of  the  section  prohibiting  the  charging  of 
less  for  foreign  than  for  home  advertising  was  reconsidered 
and  the  section  was  defeated.  The  section  requiring  publishers 
to  charge  not  less  than  $7.50  per  inch  per  annum  was  not 
adopted. 

The  following  resolution  offered  by  J.  W.  Burson  was 
adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  we,  the  editors  and  proprietors  of  papers 
in  the  State  of  Texas,  and  members  of  this  Association,  do 
hereby  bind  ourselves,  individually,  as  men  of  honor  and  in- 
tegrity, to  do  all  in  our  individual  and  collective  power  to  pro- 
tect the  press  of  the  State  against  fraudulent  advertising  and 
advertising  agents;  that  we  will  endeavor  to  so  adjust  adver- 
tising rates  with  regard  to  foreign  patrons  that  no  injustice 
shall  be  done  either  our  respective  papers  or  our  local  patrons ; 
that  we  will  promptly  notify  the  president  and  secretary  of  this 
Association  of  any  fraudulent  advertisers  or  advertising  agents 
that  may  come  under  our  notice;  that  we  feel  that  further 
than  this,  this  Association  cannot  accomplish  any  good  upon 
the  matter  of  foreign  advertising  and  advertisers." 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  education,  and  a  most 
able  paper  it  was,  was  submitted  by  Professor  Thomas  J. 
Girardeau  of  the  Houston  Post.  Its  length  precludes  its  re- 
production. 

A  memorial  from  the  book-binders  of  the   State  to  the 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Legislature  of  Texas  protesting  against  the  practice  by  the 
Supreme  and  Appellate  courts  of  Texas  of  having  their  reports 
printed  in  St.  Louis  was  read  and  the  following  was  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Association  that  the 
objects  set  forth  in  the  memorial  are  such  as*  should  meet  with 
the  approval  and  advocacy  of  every  Texan,  and  especially 
every  Texas  editor." 

The  following  is  self  explanatory : 

"Whereas,  It  has  come  to  our  attention  that  a  certain 
member  of  this  Association,  but  yesterday  elected  as  such,  has 
brought  reproach  upon  the  good  name  of  this  Association  by 
being  intoxicated  during  the  sitting  of  this  convention ;  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  iu= 
vestigate  and  report  upon  the  facts;  be  it  further 

"Resolved,  That  we  denounce  such  conduct  as  being  un- 
becoming members  of  this  Association,  and  the  President  is 
hereby  authorized,  in  case  any  member  becomes  intoxicated 
during  the  present  session,  to  cancel  said  member's  certificate 
of  membership,  take  from  him  his  badge,  and  report  the  same 
to  the  Association." 

The  resolution  with  the  amendment,  "any  conduct  unbe- 
coming an  editor  and  a  gentleman,"  was  adopted  and  the  com- 
mittee, consisting  of  Yandell,  Milner,  Roberts,  Lillard  and 
Geers,  was  appointed.  The  committee  recommended  the  rejec- 
tion of  the  offender  as  a  member,  and  the  same  was  adopted. 

Invitations  from  the  Houston  Light  Guards  to  witness 
an  "exhibition"  drill  at  the  Fair  Grounds  at  night,  and  from 
J.  W.  Johnson  to  attend  a  banquet  at  his  residence,  were  ac- 
cepted. 

The  treasurer,  Gail  B.  Johnson,  reported  as  follows : 

"It  will  be  remembered  that  at  the  last  annual  meeting, 
my  report  showed  that  no  money  had  been  paid  into  the  treas- 
ury, owing  to  the  indisposition  on  the  part  of  the  secretary, 
Mr.  F.  A.  Small.  That  indisposition,  I  am  compelled  to  state, 
has  characterized  his  actions  up  to  the  present  day. 

84 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"At  the  last  meeting  at  which  I  acted  as  secretary  for 
two  days,  $59.50  was  collected  by  me  for  initiation  fees  and 
dues  from  the  members  then  present.  Since  that  time,  and 
up  to  the  meeting  of  April  25,  1882,  I  have  received  $17  from 
applicants  for  membership,  and  $1  as  dues  from  Mr.  J.  P. 
Bridges  of  Luling,  which  amount,  viz:  $18,  bad  been  turned 
over  to  Mr.  J.  W.  Burson,  secretary  of  the  Association,  and  is 
now  in  his  hands  and  not  accounted  for  in  this  report.  *  *  * 

Amount  collected:  $59.50;  bills  paid,  $27.45;  returned  to  , 

$1;  balance  in  the  treasury,  $31.05." 

The  report  of  the  secretary  is  as  follows: 

"As  secretary  of  the  Texas  Press  Association  I  have  noth- 
ing to  report  of  which  I  am  especially  proud.  I  do  not  even 
claim  to  be  proud  of  my  official  record.  Succeeding  the  first 
recording  officer  (of  unsavory  memory)  of  this  Association,  I 
had  absolutely  nothing  with  which  to  begin  operations.  There 
was  no  record  of  membership,  no  record  of  the  first  and  second 
conventions  of  this  Association,  save  the  proceedings  of  the 
last  day,  which  transpired  after  the  present  administration  was 
inducted  into  office.  I  found  myself  in  the  midst  of  confusion 
confounded ;  and  I  confess  that  after  efforts  to  bring  order  out 
of  chaos,  which  proved  unavailing,  I  abandoned  the  job.  Mat- 
ters in  my  department  remained  in  statu  quo  until  the  Presi- 
dent's call  for  a  meeting  of  the  executive  committee,  when  I 
concluded  to  go  before  that  body  and  deliver  up  all  papers, 
documents,  records,  etc.,  (which  consisted,  as  I  have  above 
stated,  of  the  minutes  of  the  proceedings  of  the  last  day  of  the 
second  convention),  and  then  retire  in  good  order.  Circum- 
stances over  which  I  had  no  control  prevented  the  execution 
of  this  plan.  I  was  not  present  at  the  committee,  and  that 
body  proceeded  to  facilitate  my  retirement,  not  in  good  order, 
however,  but  by  tossing  my  official  head  into  the  waste  basket 
— temporarily. 

"It  is  not  pleasant,  as  a  general  thing,  in  the  language  of 
Guiteau,  to  be  'removed,'  especially  from  office,  but  in  this  par- 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

ticular  case  I  flattered  myself  that  I  had  got  the  best  end  of 
the  trade  and  concluded  to  content  myself. 

''Later  my  successor,  by  appointment  of  the  executive 
committee,  Mr.  Gail  B.  Johnson,  informed  me  that  he  could 
not,  and  would  not  discharge  the  duties  of  secretary  and  re- 
quested that  I  take  up  the  burden  again.  Like  a  lamb,  I  went 
to  the  slaughter;  and  here  I  am. 

"Arriving  in  Houston  a  few  days  in  advance  of  the  date 
of  meeting,  it  was  decided,  after  consultation  with  Mr.  John- 
son, to  have  an  official  record  transcribed  from  the  files  of  the 
Houston  Post.  This  was  done,  I  am  happy  to  state,  at  the 
expense  of  the  Association,  and  the  record  is  now  ready  to  be 
delivered  to  my  fortunate  successor  so  soon  as  the  minutes 
of  the  present  meeting  can  be  transcribed  into  the  same. 

"The  last  convention  left  a  good  deal  of  business  for  the 
secretary  to  do.  First,  and  most  important  of  this  business, 
was  to  recover  from  the  late  secretary  of  the  Texas  Press  As- 
sociation, whose  first  name  is  *  *  *,  a  sum  of  money  belong- 
ing to  the  Association,  and  estimated  by  a  special  committee 
to  amount  to  $52.50.  Under  instructions  from  the  President, 
I  did  all  in  my  power  to  secure  this  amount,  but  have  failed, 
so  far.  This  subject,  I  will  dismiss  with  the  request  that  our 
President  do  this  small  affair  justice,  if  such  a  thing  is  pos- 
sible, in  his  report. 

"Only  a  limited  amount  of  money  was  invested  in  the 
printing  of  the  constitution  and  by-laws,  presumably  for  the 
reason  that  that  document,  in  the  present  condition,  is  very 
lame — even  imperfect.  A  seal  for  the  Association  has  been 
secured,  and  I  believe  an  attempt  has  been  made  to  attend  to 
all  the  business  left  to  the  wisdom,  etc.,  of  the  secretary. 

"I  would  respectfully  suggest  to  the  committee  to  which 
is  intrusted  the  important  duty  of  revising  the  constitution  and 
by-laws,  that  it  is  necessary  to  provide  for  an  assistant  secre- 
tary ;  also,  that  the  selection  of  this  officer  should  be,  if  pos- 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

sible,  left  to  the  secretary,  who  is,  and  should  be,  held  respon- 
sible for  the  condition  of  his  books,  papers,  etc. 

"During  the  last  meeting,  and  since,  until  the  present 
convention  assembled,  there  has  passed  through  the  hands  of 
the  secretary  and  into  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  the  amount 
of  $59.50.  From  this  must  be  deducted  the  amounts  expended 
for  the  Association  as  will  be  shown  by  the  treasurer's  report. 

"The  roll  of  membership  for  1880  embraced  forty-seven 
names.  On  the  assembling  of  the  Association,  in  1881,  a  com- 
mittee on  membership  reported  forty-three  members  in  good 
standing.  During  the  meeting  there  were  added  sixty-eight 
names,  making  a  total  of  one  hundred  and  eleven.  In  the 
•opening  of  the  present  session  the  committee  on  membership 
reported  a  roll  of  seventy-five  members  in  good  standing.  Dur- 
ing the  first  day  of  our  present  session  there  were  elected  and 
enrolled  fifty-eight  new  names,  making  our  total  membership 
at  the  present  time  one  hundred  and  thirty-three.  This  shows 
a  very  happy  increase  in  our  membership. 

''I  would  also  respectfully  suggest  that  in  the  future  all 
transportation  on  railroads  for  members  to  and  from  meetings 
of  the  Association  be  furnished  only  as  the  secretary  may  in- 
dorse. This  would,  I  think,  avoid  much  confusion  and  would 
also  simplify  the  secretary's  work  of  keeping  a  correct  mem- 
bership roll,  and  it  would  also  protect  transportation  lines. 

"Up  to  the  evening  of  the  present  session,  the  secretary 
had  received  from  fees  and  dues  $98.50.  Hence,  it  will  be 
seen  that  the  Association  has  yet  enough  funds  on  hand  to 

keep  the  wolf  from  the  door,  though  my  illustrious  predecessor 

*  *  *  * 

"For  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  the  Association  is 
there  any  prospect  of  having  a  record  of  our  proceedings  and 
of  having  an  account  opened  and  kept  between  each  member 
and  the  Association. 

"In  conclusion  I  will  say,  although  it  may  sound  para- 
doxical, that  the  press  association  is  in  a  flourishing  condition, 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

is  perfectly  solvent,  and  on  a  sound  financial  basis.  In  the 
little  that  I  have  accomplished  as  secretary  I  have  been  and 
am  yet  deeply  indebted  to  our  very  worthy  President  and 
Treasurer.  As  suggestions  are  cheap,  I  will  indulge  in  one 
more:  I  would  suggest  that  when  a  good  and  efficient  sec- 
retary is  found,  the  Association  would  do  well  to  continue  him 
in  office  indefinitely,  or  until  his  assistant  can  take  his  place. 
As  this  is  an  office  purely  of  work,  and  not  of  profit  or  glory, 
such  a  suggestion  could  be  sustained  without  wasting  any  of 
the  funds  of  the  Association. 

"At  this  time,  April  26,  5  p.  m.,  there  are  on  hand  about 
$143.50." 

(Signed)     J.  W.  BURSON. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  constitution  and  by-laws 
was  adopted  as  follows : 

Article  1 — This  Association  shall  be  known  as  the  Texas 
Press  Association. 

Article  2 — The  objects  of  this  Association  shall  be  to 
promote  the  welfare  of  the  Texas  press,  elevate  its  character, 
to  inculcate  feelings  of  harmony  and  protect  its  rights. 

Article  3 — All  bona  fide  proprietors  or  editors  of  news- 
papers or  periodicals  published  in  Texas,  not  less  frequently 
than  once  a  month,  except  persons  of  African  descent,  shall  be 
entitled  to  membership;  provided,  that  periodicals,  of  what- 
ever periodicity,  published  as  advertising  mediums,  solely, 
shall  not  be  considered  bona  fide  periodicals. 

Article  4 — This  Association  shall  meet  once  a  year  in  con- 
vention, at  such  time  and  place  as  may  be  selected  by  the 
executive  board.  Extra  sessions  of  the  Association  may  be 
called  through  the  executive  board.  The  executive  board  shall 
meet  upon  the  call  of  its  chairman,  at  such  time  and  place  as  he 
may  designate ;  and  the  actual  expenses  of  the  members  thereof 
shall  be  paid  by  the  Association. 

Article  5 — The  officers  of  this  Association  shall  be :  One 
president,  three  vice-presidents,  one  secretary  and  one  as- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

sistant  secretary  (to  be  appointed  by  the  secretary),  one  treas- 
urer, and  one  executive  committee  (to  be  appointed  by  the 
president),  composed  of  one  member  from  each  congressional 
district  in  the  State,  exclusive  of  the  president  of  the  Asso- 
ciation who  shall  be  ex-officio  chairman  of  said  committee ; 
there  shall  also  be  chosen  at  each  annual  meeting,  an  orator, 
an  essayist,  and  a  poet,  whose  duties  shall  be  to  deliver  and 
read  at  the  next  annual  meeting  thereafter  respectively  an 
oration,  an  essay,  and  a  poem. 

Article  6 — The  officers  of  this  Association  shall  be  elected 
at  the  regular  meeting,  take  their  offices  just  after  the  close  of 
the  session,  and  hold  their  respective  offices  for  the  term  of 
one  year,  or  until  their  successors  are  duly  elected  and  quali- 
fied. Vacancies  shall  be  filled  by  the  executive  board. 

Article  7 — The  order  of  business  at  the  regular  meetings 
shall  be  as  follows : 

1st — Calling  the  roll. 

2nd — Reading  the  minutes  of  the  preceding  meeting. 

3rd — Reports  of  executive  board,  secretary  and  treasurer. 

4th — Unfinished  and  new  business. 

5th — Reading  and  delivery  of  the  annual  address,  essay, 
and  poetry;  also,  an  address  by  the  retiring  president. 

6th — The  election  of  officers  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Cushing's  Parliamentary  Regulations  shall  direct  the 
duties  of  the  officers  and  govern  the  proceedings  of  this  Asso- 
ciation. 

Article  8 — Every  member  shall  pay  an  initiation  fee  of  one 
dollar,  and  an  annual  due  of  one  dollar  for  the  use  of  this 
Association ;  these  two  dollars  to  accompany  each  application. 
Any  member  failing  to  pay  his  dues  shall  be  notified  through 
the  secretary  of  his  arrears,  and  if  not  paid  within  ninety 
days  of  date  of  notice  his  name  shall  be  stricken  from  the  list 
of  members.  Such  person,  to  regain  membership,  and  be  en- 
titled to  the  benefits  thereunder  must  make  application  to  gain 
the  same  as  a  new  member. 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Article  9 — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  member,  as  early 
as  practicable  before  each  annual  meeting  of  the  Association, 
to  notify  the  secretary  in  the  event  of  his  withdrawal  from  the 
Association,  or  retirement  from  the  printing  business  in  the 
capacity  contemplated  by  the  constitution  as  essential  to  mem- 
bership. 

Article  10 — Whenever  a  member  ceases  to  be  connected 
with  the  press,  as  contemplated  in  Article  nine,  he  may,  dur- 
ing such  cessation,  be  an  honorary  member  only.  Honorary 
members  shall  have  the  right  to  participate  in  the  meetings 
and  debates,  but  not  have  the  right  to  vote  or  hold  office. 
The  Association  may  also  elect  honorary  members. 

Article  11 — At  the  close  of  each  session,  the  president 
shall  appoint  a  committee  of  five  on  membership  and  such 
other  committees  as  the  Association  may  require  or  direct. 

Article  12 — Amendments  may  be  made  to  this  constitu- 
tion at  any  regular  meeting  of  this  Association ;  provided, 
two-thirds  of  the  members  present  agree  to  such  amendment. 

By-Laws.  (April  1882). 

Section  1 — Editors  and  proprietors  of  newspapers,  period- 
icals, and  magazines,  circulating  as  Texas  publications,  but 
printed  entire  outside  the  State,  are  not  entitled  to  member- 
ship. 

Sec.  2 — All  applications  for  membership  must  be 
signed  by  the  applicant  himself,  stating  if  editor  or  proprietor ; 
also  giving  name  of  paper  and  when  published,  and  be  di- 
rected to  the  secretary. 

Sec.  3 — All  applications  must  be  recommended  by  two 
members  of  the  Association;  and  in  case  of  application  from 
editor,  it  must  be  indorsed  by  the  proprietor  of  the  publica- 
tion on  which  membership  is  asked,  and  must  be  accompanied 
by  the  initiation  fee  and  one  year's  dues. 

Sec.  4. — All  applications  shall  come  before  the  committee 
on  membership  for  approval.  If  approved,  be  signed  by  the 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

chairman  of  the  committee ;  if  not  approved,  the  secretary  to 
give  notice  to  applicant  thereof. 

Sec.  5 — The  president  shall  be  ex-officio  a  member  of  all 
committees. 

Sec.  6 — The  secretary  shall  notify  all  members  of  their 
arrearages  and  if,  after  notification  in  writing,  payment  is  not 
made  within  ninety  days,  such  member  shall  be  stricken  from 
the  roll  and  not  entitled  to  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the 
Association. 

Sec.  7 — The  secretary  shall  receive  all  moneys  of  the  As- 
sociation, turning  same  over  to  the  treasurer,  taking  his  re- 
ceipt therefor,  who  shall  pay  the  same  out  on  order  drawn  by 
the  secretary  and  approved  by  the  president. 

Sec.  8 — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  treasurer  to  receive,  re- 
ceipt for  and  disburse  all  moneys  of  the  Association  upon  order 
of  the  executive  committee,  when  properly  approved  and  coun- 
tersigned;  and  just  before  the  adjournment  of  the  next  annual 
meeting,  after  he  shall  have  been  elected,  report  to  the  Asso- 
ciation the  condition  of  the  treasury,  receipts  and  disburse- 
ments of  money,  etc.  He  shall,  also,  within  one  month  from 
the  date  of  his  election,  file  with  the  chairman  of  the  execu- 
tive committee  for  his  approval  and  transmission  to  the  secre- 
tary, a  bond  of  five  hundred  dollars  for  the  faithful  discharge  of 
his  duties. 

Sec.  9 — The  duties  of  the  executive  board  shall  be  to  fill 
all  vacancies  occurring  among  the  officers ;  to  remove  such 
officers  as  fail  to  act,  or  who  violate  the  rules  of  the  Asso- 
ciation ;  to  investigate  all  charges ;  render  decisions  and  im- 
pose penalties,  as  the  nature  of  the  case  may  demand ;  and  per- 
form such  other  duties  as  the  Association  may  of  them  re- 
quire. 

Sec.  10 — No  member  shall  hold  more  than  one  elective 
office  at  one  time. 

Sec.  11 — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  member  present  to 
cast  his  vote  on  any  and  all  questions  before  the  meeting. 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Sec.  12 — Any  member  wishing  to  resign  or  withdraw  from 
the  Association,  shall  give  written  notice  thereof  to  the  sec- 
retary. 

Sec.  13 — No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice  on  the 
same  subject,  except  by  consent  of  the  president;  and  no  long- 
er than  ten  minutes,  except  by  permission  of  the  Association. 

Sec.  14 — Every  member  shall  be  present  at  the  annual 
session ;  but  if  detained  by  extraordinary  circumstances,  shall 
give  notice  thereof  to  the  secretary;  otherwise  be  subject  to  a 
fine. 

Sec.  15 — Any  of  the  by-laws  may  be  altered,  amended,  re- 
vised, or  repealed,  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  present 
at  the  regular  annual  meeting. 

The  following  officers  were  elected : 

President — H.   L.    Gosling,    Gastroville   Quill; 

First  Vice  President— W.  A.   Fields,  Meridian   Blade; 

Second  Vice  President — Dr.  W.  M.  Yandell,  Seguin  Times; 

Third    Vice    President — W.    P.    Wilson,    Fort    Worth    Democrat- 
Advance; 

Secretary — J.   W.   Burson,    Denison   Herald-News; 

Treasurer — A.   W.    Gifford,    San   Antonio    Light; 

Orator — Prof.  T.  J.  Girardeau,  Houston  Post; 

Essayist — Gary    W.    Styles,    Galveston    News; 

Poetess — Mary    Hunt    McCaleb;    Mrs.    Louella    Styles    Vincent, 
alternate. 

Executive    Committee: 

First  District — J.  W.  Johnson,  Houston  Post; 
Second    District — L.    D.    Lillard,    Fairfield    Recorder; 
Third  District — D.   C.   Williams,   Mineola   Monitor-Hawkeye; 
Fourth  District — J.  H.  Davis,  Mount  Vernon  Herald; 
Fifth   District — J.  W.   Baines,   McKinney  Advocate; 
Sixth  District— J.  F.  Elliott,  Dallas  Herald- 
Seventh  District — George  H.  Sweet,  Galveston  Journal; 
Eighth  District — J.  P.  Bridges,  Luling  Signal; 
Ninth   District — S.  A.   Fishburn,   Mexia  Ledger; 
Tenth    District — T.    C.    Cain,    Bastrop    Advertiser; 
Eleventh    District — W.   L.   Graves,   Graham   Leader. 

The  following  resolution  was  adopted : 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"Whereas,  There  is  no  law  requiring  notices  of  sale  under 
execution,  etc.,  to  be  published ; 

"And  Whereas,  Wre  believe  that  great  injustice  is  done 
thereby  to  parties  having  property  sold  under  the  present 
system ;  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Association  that  all 
notices  of  sale  of  real  estate  in  the  administration  of  our  pro- 
bate law,  and  under  execution,  or  process  from  any  court  in 
this  State,  should  be  published  in  some  newspaper  published 
in  the  county  from  which  such  process  may  be  issued,  and  that 
the  secretary  of  this  Association  be  requested  to  send  a  copy 
of  this  resolution  to  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives 
of  our  State  Legislature." 

It  was  ordered  that  two  hundred  and  fifty  "pamphlets" 
containing  the  proceedings  of  the  three  annual  conventions 
of  the  Association,  and  the  newly  adopted  constitution  and 
by-laws  be  printed.  (This  appears  to  have  been  done,  as  we 
find  that  at  the  fourth  annual  convention  the  reading  of  the 
minutes  of  the  preceding  annual  convention  was  dispensed 
with,  the  reason  being  given  that  "a  printed  copy  of  the  minutes 
had  been  furnished  each  member,  and  that  a  sufficient  number  of 
copies  were  on  hand  to  supply  all  new  members  with  the 
printed  proceedings."  However,  the  writer  has  not  been  able 
as  yet  to  find  one  or  find  any  one  who  has  one.) 

The  following  communication  was  received : 

"Paris,  Lamar  County,  Texas,  March  31,  1882. 
"Members  of  the  Texas  Press  Association : 

"Gentlemen :  Realizing  the  vast  importance  of  the  press 
as  a  powerful  motor  in  the  great  temperance  reform  now 
sweeping  over  the  land,  I  appeal  most  respectfully  and  anx- 
iously to  you,  individually  and  collectively,  to  aid  us  as  much 
as  you  may  possibly  be  able  in  the  general  dissemination  of 
the  great  truths  connected  therewith. 

"As  an  active  agent  of  the  Woman's  Christian  Temper- 
ance Union,  it  becomes  my  chief  duty  to  interest  every  human 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

being,  if  I  can,  and  especially  to  co-operate,  if  I  may,  with 
every  editor  in  the  land  in  the  diffusion  of  the  valuable  truths 
of  the  temperance  cause,  and  to  secure,  if  possible,  some  space 
in  every  paper  to  be  devoted  to  the  interest  of  our  Woman's 
Christian  Temperance  Union.  I  know  you  will  not  let  me 
appeal  in  vain. 

"A  convention  of  delegates  from  every  local  Woman's 
Christian  Temperance  Union  in  Texas,  and  all  other  temper- 
ance orders  who  will  send  them,  will  be  held  in  Paris  the  sec- 
ond Tuesday  in  May,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  State  Union. 
Will  you  each,  please,  publish  this  when  you  return  home, 
and  influence  as  many  to  attend  as  you  can?  By  so  doing,  you 
may  accomplish  much  good  for  yourselves  and  the  general 
cause  of  humanity. 

Respectfully, 
MRS.  MARY  S.  HATHAWAY, 

State  organizer  W.  C.  T.  U.  for  Texas." 

The  committee,  consisting  of  Miller,  Nation  and  Abey, 
to  whom  the  above  communication  was  referred,  submitted 
the  following  reply,  which  was  adopted : 

"We,  your  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  appeal  of 
Mrs.  Mary  S.  Hathaway,  representing  the  Woman's  Christian 
Temperance  Union  in  Texas,  have  considered  the  same,  but 
the  limited  time  allotted  to  us  did  not  admit  of  general  discus- 
sion. We,  therefore,  submit  the  following  report : 

"Whereas,  We  believe  it  is  a  duty  every  human  being 
owes  to  himself  for  its  individual  effects,  and  because  of  the 
example  for  others  to  be  temperate  in  all  things ;  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  the  press  of  Texas,  in  convention  assem- 
bled, pledges  itself  to  the  earnest  advocacy  of  the  cause  of 
true  temperance,  and  will  use  its  efforts  to  the  propagation 
of  temperance  principles. 

"Resolved,  That  we  will,  at  all  times,  when  it  is  required 
as  an  item  of  news,  give  the  Women's  Christian  Temperance 
Union  so  much  space  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  publication 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

of  their  notices  of  meetings,  etc.,  but  that  each  editor  reserves 
to  himself  the  right  to  advocate  the  cause  of  temperance  in 
such  manner  as  shall  seem  to  him  the  best,  for  we  do  not  be- 
lieve that  it  is  within  our  province  to  dictate  to  the  press  of 
the  State  any  particular  line  for  the  conduct  of  their  respective 
papers. 

(Signed)     G.  P.  MILLER,  Chairman." 

Colonel  Carey  W.  Styles  of  the  Galveston  News  offered  the 
following,  which  was  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  this  Association  greets  the  press  of  the 
Republic  of  Mexico  and  recognizes  the  visit  of  Senor  Alphonso 
La  Grange,  editor  of  La  Revista  of  Monterey,  as  a  gratifying 
evidence  of  the  opening  of  fraternal  relations  between  the 
journals  of  the  two  Republics  and  as  a  harbinger  of  closer  so- 
cial, journalistic,  and  commercial  intercourse. 

"Resolved,  That  the  proposed  reciprocity  treaty  is  a  meas- 
ure of  the  greatest  importance  to  the  two  countries,  and  is 
urged  as  a  policy  to  promote  international  relations  of  unity 
and  perpetuate  the  peace,  prosperity  and  development  of  both 
Nations." 

Dallas  was  selected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting  and  the 
selection  of  the  date  of  that  meeting  was  left  to  the  President. 

The  excursion  this  year  was  to  California,  and  the  Presi- 
dent was  given  a  vote  of  thanks  for  having  secured  free  trans- 
portation to  and  from  that  State  for  the  members  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. The  itinerary  is  said  to  have  been  a  most  delightful 
one,  and  those  who  fortunately  participated  are  still  fond  of 
recounting  the  pleasures  of  the  trip. 


95 


Fourth  Annual  Convention — 1883 


THE  fourth  annual  convention  was  held  in  the  Board  of 
Trade  Rooms  in  the  City  of  Dallas,  beginning  on  the 
15th  day  of  May,  1883,  with  President  Hal  L.  Gosling  of  the 
Castroville  Quill  presiding.  W.  Alex  Abey  of  the  Longview 
Democrat  was  secretary,  succeeding  J.  W.  Burson,  who  had 
resigned. 

On  the  call  of  the  roll  the  following  members  responded 
to  their  names : 

F.  D.  Allen,  Galveston  Visitor ;  F.  P.  Alexander,  Greenville  Herald ;  C.  F.  Alter- 
man,  Dallas  Volksblatt ;  W.  Alex  Abey,  Longview  Democrat ;  J.  E.  Cooper,  George- 
town Sun ;  L.  W.  Clark,  Bryan  Pilot ;  Chas.  Culmore,  Houston  German  Post ;  T.  J. 
Crooks,  Denison  Herald-News;  W.  C.  Hill,  Bellvile  Times;  E.  W.  Harris,  Hen- 
derson News;  J.  W.  Johnson,  Mt.  Pleasant  News;  I.  H.  Julian,  San  Marcos  Free- 
Press;  H.  C.  Jones,  Dallas  Union;  C.  A.  Keasler,  Linden  Sun;  L.  D.  Lillard,  Fair- 
field  Recorder;  E.  G.  Rust,  Dallas  Mercury;  A.  C.  Scurlock,  Cleburne  Chronicle; 
E.  L.  Wepf,  Terrell  Times;  Byron  Drew,  Kaufman  Sun;  J.  A.  Davis,  Mt.  Vernon 
Herald ;  J.  M.  Fletcher,  Atlanta  Journal ;  S.  A.  Fishburn,  Mexia  Ledger ;  C.  E.  Gil- 
bert, Abilene  Reporter;  J.  W.  Golledge,  Hillsboro  Mirror;  L.  M.  Green,  Tyler 
Courier ;  Nat  Q.  Henderson,  Georgetown  Record ;  J.  P.  Maddox,  Navasota  Tablet ; 
R.  T.  Milner,  Henderson  Times;  J.  F.  Mitchell,  Greenville  Banner;  J.  G.  O'Brien, 
Dublin  Enterprise ;  P.  D.  Rust,  McGregor  Plaindealer ;  F.  B.  Robinson,  Huntsville 
Item ;  J.  G.  W.  Woods,  Mt.  Pleasant  News ;  E.  F.  Yeager,  Waxahachie  Enterprise ; 
S.  M.  Carleton,  Ennis  Review ;  J.  P.  Bridges,  Luling  Signal ;  Wm.  Bamberg,  Hous- 
ton Printer ;  Tom  W.  Bowers,  Carthage  Watchman ;  A.  L.  Cashell,  Kyle  Nutshell ; 
J.  B.  Cranfield,  Gatesville  Advance;  J.  M.  Connor,  Daingerfield  Herald;  E.  C. 
Huckabee,  Waxahachie  Mirror ;  H.  V.  Hamilton,  Tyler  Democrat ;  E.  C.  Hunter, 
Sherman  Democrat;  J.  W.  Johnson,  Houston  Post;  J.  P.  Jones,  Dallas  Planter; 
J.  C.  Jones,  Pilot  Point  Post ;  R.  G.  Luse,  Cisco  Round-Up ;  John  Levin,  Brenham 
Banner;  J.  C.  Son,  Albany  Star;  E.  S.  Terry,  Wills  Point  Pointer;  J.  T.  Walker, 
Terrell  Star;  O.  W.  Dodson,  Henderson  News;  J.  T.  Elliott,  Dallas  Herald;  W.  A. 
Fields,  Meridian  Blade;  H.  L.  Gosling,  Castroville  Quill;  T.  J.  Girardeau,  Houston 
Post,  A.  W.  Gifford,  San  Antonio  Light;  R.  L.  Hayes,  Winnsboro  Sentinel;  W.  R. 
Lotz,  Baird  Clarendon;  L.  S.  McPherson,  Sherman  Democrat;  C.  P.  Pilgrim, 
Gonzales  Inquirer ;  J.  S.  Penn,  Laredo  Times ;  R.  J.  Ridgell,  Athens  Narrow  Gauge ; 
A.  W.  Reilly,  Wills  Point  Chronicle;  D.  C.  Williams,  Mineola  Monitor;  W.  M. 
Yandell,  Seguin  Times. 

The  reading  of  the  minutes  of  the  last  convention  was 
dispensed  with,  it  being  explained  that  a  printed  copy  of  the 
minutes  had  been  furnished  each  member  and  that  a  sufficient 
number  of  copies  were  on  hand  to  supply  all  new  members. 

The  committee  on  membership  reported  the  following 

96 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 
entitled  to  membership,  and  they  were  accordingly  elected : 

W.  P.  Gaines,  Austin  Statesman ;  F.  V.  Ende,  Greenville  Herald ;  W.  N.  Norton, 
Dallas  Union  Intelligencer ;  W.  D.  Cox,  Temple  Times ;  M.  Timmerman,  Weather- 
ford  Sun;  W.  P.  Shelton,  Cisco  Press;  W.  G.  Sterett,  Dallas  Times;  J.  C.  Bayne, 
Mineola  Hawkeye ;  W.  S.  McCurley,  Canton  Texan ;  Max  Urwitz,  Victoria  Deutche 
Zeitung ;  Eugene  Duncan,  Estray  Record ;  James  Kibbee,  Tom  Green  Times ;  Ed 
Williams,  Corpus  Christi  Caller;  L.  J.  Wortham,  Jefferson  Wide  Awake;  W.  L. 
Warlick,  Quitman  News;  D.  Rock,  Woodville  Eureka;  M.  Carleton,  Ennis  Review; 
Abner  Eubanks,  Mexia  Ledger;'  P.  S.  Pfouts,  Dallas  Herald;  M.  Byrne,  Denison 
Post;  R.  Wilson,  Center  Champion;  Sam  Houston  Dixon,  Austin  News;  R.  E. 
Yantis,  Wills  Point  Local  Chronicle;  C.  M.  Wilmeth,  Dallas -Christian  Preacher;  K. 
Bradley,  Farmersville  North  Texas  Mercury ;  H.  B.  Sullivan,  Farmersville  North 
Texas  Mercury ;  O.  P.  McLean,  Bowis  Cross  Timbers ;  Jno.  Laing,  San  Augustine 
Herald;  R.  S.  Kimbough,  Mesquite  Mesquiter;  A.  S.  Mercer,  Henrietta  Shield; 
L.  M.  Coleman,  Dallas  Texas  Baptist;  Jas.  Williams,  Denton  Chronicle ;  G.  C. 
Deming,  Palestine  Advocate;  J.  L.  Terry,  Longview  New  Era;  J.  W.  Putnam,  Ft. 
Worth  Stock  Journal ;  Julius  Schuze,  Austin  Wochenblatt ;  J.  B.  Johnson,  San  An- 
tonio Light;  Mrs.  Maggie  Rust,  Dallas  Sunday  Mercury;  M.  H.  Custer,  Delta  Co. 
Banner  (Cooper);  O.  Rice,  Emory  Argus;  L.  L.  Beach,  Columbus  Free  Politician; 
W.  H.  Graves,  Cleburne ;  M.  Tate,  Sulphur  Springs  Echo ;  J.  R.  Hart,  Gilmer  Mir- 
ror;  W.  L.  Hall,  Dallas  Herald;  S.  A.  Black,  Kingston  Beacon;  W.  T.  Gass,  Bon- 
ham  Advocate ;  Jno.  H.  Hutchison,  Morgan  Argonaut ;  A.  B.  Norton,  Dallas  Union 
Intelligencer ;  C.  D.  Davis,  Western  Texan ;  L.  T.  Davis,  Western  Texan ;  J.  M. 
Shumate,  Round  Rock  Quid  Nunc ;  Alex  Wynne,  Beaumont  Enterprise ;  H.  A.  Hal- 
bert,  Corsicana  Observer;  J.  Caspary,  Mineola  Hawkeye;  L.  Gibbs,  Abilene  Mag- 
netic Quill ;  F.  N.  Oliver,  Lewisville  Headlight ;  A.  S.  Wilkins,  Texas  Journal  of 
Education;  B.  M.  Vanderhurst,  Carthage  Watchman;  Josephine  Culmore,  Houston 
Girls  Own  Paper;  E.  H.  Harris,  Pittsburg  Express;  B.  C.  Murray,  Denison  Ga- 
zetteer; A.  B.  Pearson,  Denison  Herald-News;  C.  M.  Hubby,  Waco  Examiner; 
H.  Smythe,  Weatherford  Times;  J.  W.  Booth,  Decatur  Tribune;  Thos.  E.  Bomar, 
McKinney  Black  Waxey ;  Chas.  Culmore,  Houston  German  Post;  John  Guthrie, 
Bandera  Bugle ;  G.  O.  Hunter,  Sherman  Democrat ;  A.  F.  Beddo,  Dallas  Texas 
Baptist;  J.  W.  Fleming,  Ft.  Worth  Age  of  Progress. 

In  responding  to  the  generous  words  of  welcome  of 
Major  John  F.  Elliott  and  Mayor  Cabell,  President  Gosling 
took  occasion  to  give  in  brief  a  history  of  the  organization, 
the  causes  which  led  to  its  formation  (It  is  a  cause  of  regret 
that  his  words  were  not  made  a  matter  of  record),  the  evils 
it  had  corrected  in  the  press  of  the  State,  and  its  influence 
in  bringing  about  a  warmer  and  more  generous  feeling  be- 
tween the  press  and  the  people.  Wherever  the  Association 
met,  he  said,  it  made  no  enemies  but,  on  the  contrary,  a 
host  of  friends.  It  was  bringing  the  journalists  of  the  various 
sections  of  the  State  more  closely  together,  their  hearts 
were  becoming  cemented  in  brotherly  love  and  friendship, 

97 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

and  in  this  way  sectionalism   was,  to  a  great  extent,  being 
destroyed. 

The  president  announced  to  the  Association  that  the 
members  had  been  invited  to  attend  the  concerts  of  the 
Saengerfest  and  would  be  furnished  with  badges  and  tickets 
to  these  concerts  and  with  meal  tickets  good  at  the  Grand 
Windsor,  St.  George,  and  Kent  hotels  and  at  the  Delmonico 
and  Apollo  restaurants ;  and  that  the  Association  had  been 
tendered  a  ball  by  the  young  gentlemen  of  Dallas,  to  take 
place  at  Mayer's  Hall.  Votes  of  thanks  were  extended  for 
these  courtesies  and  to  Colonel  Keller  for  the  freedom  of 
his  street  car  lines. 

The  secretary  was  instructed  to  have  printed  two  hun- 
dred copies  of  the  proceedings  of  the  meeting,  with  a  list 
of  all  members,  their  place  of  residence,  and  names  of  their 
respective  papers,  a  copy  to  be  forwarded  each  member,  and 
the  cost  of  printing  same  to  be  determined  by  the  secretary 
and  the  printer. 

The  following  resolution  was  adopted : 

"That  a  standing  committee  of  five  members  be  ap- 
pointed annually,  to  constitute  a  committee  on  obituaries, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  report  to  the  Association  annually 
the  name  of  every  member  who  has  died  during  the  year, 
together  with  suitable  resolutions  of  their  death." 

Secretary  Abey  submitted  the  following: 

"A  report  from  the  secretary,  at  the  annual  meeting  of 
the  Association,  is  one  of  the  requirements  of  the  consti- 
tution. In  submitting  a  report,  necessarily  incomplete,  suffi- 
cient explanation  is  offered  by  the  date  of  the  appointment 
of  the  present  incumbent,  March  20th  of  this  year.  The  ap- 
pointment was  made  previously,  but  as  the  action  of  the 
President  was  approved  at  the  called  meeting  of  the  execu- 
tive committee,  at  Austin,  no  official  action  was  taken  by 
the  secretary  until  after  the  mentioned  date.  No  money  was 

98 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

received  from  President  Gosling  to  whom  the  late  secre- 
tary returned  the  property  of  the  Association. 

"Since  March  20th,  the  secretary  has  received  from 
membership  dues  $152.75;  from  initiation  fees,  $65.00;  total, 
$217.75.  Disbursed  for  sundry  expenses,  $22.36;  for  print- 
ing proceedings,  by  order  of  the  Association,  $82.00;  total, 
$104.36.  This  leaves  a  balance  of  $113.39,  which  has  been 
paid  over  to  the  treasurer.  As  the  'sundry  expenses,'  tele- 
grams, printing  cards,  and  notices,  expressage,  postage,  etc., 
are  generally  unaccompanied  by  receipts,  an  auditing  com- 
mittee is  asked  for. 

''The  membership,  at  the  date  of  the  adjournment  at 
Houston  last  year,  was  110;  admitted  this  year,  62;  honor- 
ary members,  2;  total,  174;  stricken  from  roll  42;  leaving 
a  net  membership  of  132. 

"The  books  of  the  Association  are  not  in  perfect  condi- 
tion, and  it  may  be  that  errors  have  been  made  in  collecting 
dues ;  but  as  the  secretary  has  had  but  little  to  guide  him, 
he  disclaims  any  responsibility  for  the  errors.  In  several 
instances  members  have  paid  dues  or  fees  and  have  received 
no  credit  in  the  late  secretary's  statement;  In  these  cases 
the  statements  of  the  members  as  to  the  payment  have,  of 
course,  been  taken  and  the  settlement  effected  in  that  way." 

The  resolution  to  provide  for  prize  essays  to  be  sub- 
mitted by  members  of  the  Association  failed  to  carry. 

The  proposition  to  make  the  wives  and  daughters  of  all 
members  honorary  members  of  the  Association  provoked 
much  discussion,  but  was  ruled  out  of  order.  However, 
"the  ladies  were  respectfully  and  cordially  invited  to  attend 
all  meetings  of  the  Association"  and  were  assured  that  they 
would  always  be  welcome. 

A  tribute  to  the  memory  of  the  late  J.  W.  Fishburn, 
first  president  of  the  Association,  was  submitted,  but  its 
consideration  was  postponed  until  the  memorial  services 
which  had  been  provided  for,  at  which  time  suitable  resolu- 

99 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

tions  were  adopted  and  a  touching  address  on  the  life  and 
character  of  our  deceased  past-president  was  made  by  Colonel 
John  F.  Elliott  of  the  Dallas  Herald. 

An  effort  was  made  to  amend  the  constitution  so  as  to 
read  that  "All  bona  fide  publishers  and  editors  of  newspapers 
and  periodicals,  published  not  less  frequently  than  once  a 
month  (except  persons  of  African  descent),  shall  be  eligible 
to  membership ;  provided,  that  only  managing  editors  and 
publishers  are  eligible,  who  are  practical  newspaper  men, 
and  are  actively  engaged  in  the  pursuit  as  a  business,  or 
profession ;  provided,  that  periodicals,  of  whatever  period- 
icity, published  solely  as  advertising  mediums,  shall  not  be 
considered  publications;  provided,  further,  that  the  editor 
and  publisher  of  a  leased  paper,  and  not  owner  of  the  office, 
is  eligible  to  membership."  An  amendment  was  offered,  as 
follows:  "Provided,  That  no  newspaper,  periodical,  maga- 
zine, or  publishing  company,  represented  in  this  Association, 
shall  be  entitled  to  more  than  one  vote  upon  any  question 
before  the  Association."  The  resolution  and  the  amendment 
were  both  tabled. 

It  was  provided  that  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed 
to  report  to  the  Association  subjects  for  addresses,  relating 
to  the  interests  of  the  press,  to  be  delivered  at  the  next  an- 
nual convention,  by  members  to  be  appointed  by  the  presi- 
dent, said  addresses  not  to  consume  more  than  ten  minutes 
each. 

It  was  suggested  that  at  every  annual  meeting  five  sub- 
jects for  prize  essays,  to  be  competed  for  by  all  members 
of  the  Association,  be  designated,  the  merits  of  the  essays 
to  be  passed  upon  by  a  committee  and  the  prizes  awarded. 
The  subject  did  not  appear  to  meet  approval. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  submitted  the  proposed 
amendment  to  the  constitution  admitting  as  members  of  the 
Association  editors  and  publishers  in  the  Indian  Territory 
made  the  following  report  which  was  adopted : 

100 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"While  we  have  no  feeling  of  unfriendliness  against  the 
editors  and  publishers  in  said  Territory,  we  believe  that  to 
admit  them  into  our  Association  would  necessarily  destroy 
its  individuality  as  a  'Texas  Press  Association,'  a*nd  by  in- 
creasing our  complications,  which  in  time  would  perhaps 
injure  the  harmony  and  stability  of  our  Association.  We, 
therefore,  recommend  that  said  proposed  amendment  be  not 
adopted." 

An  amendment  to  the  constitution,  to  make  article  four 
of  that  instrument  read  as  follows,  was  adopted: 

"This  Association  shall  meet  once  a  year  in  convention, 
in  such  place  as  may  be  selected  by  a  majority  of  the  mem- 
bers present,  on  the  second  day  of  each  annual  meeting; 
provided,  that  the  time  of  said  meeting  be  fixed  subse- 
quently by  the  executive  committee." 

Regarding  the  forthcoming  excursion  to  Monterey, 
Mexico,  President  Gosling  stated  that  the  start  would  be 
from  Dallas  at  12  o'clock,  Friday  night,  May  18,  on  a  special 
train  consisting  of  Pullman  sleepers ;  that  the  run  would  be 
over  the  Texas  and  Pacific  to  Fort  Worth,  leaving  that  city 
at  5  o'clock,  Saturday  morning,  taking  breakfast  at  Hills- 
boro,  dinner  at  Taylor,  and  supper  at  Austin  as  guests  of 
Governor  John  Ireland ;  that  the  excursion  would  arrive  at 
Laredo,  Sunday  morning,  and  take  breakfast  with  Governor 
Hunt  at  the  coal  mines,  and  then  proceed  to  Monterey, 
spending  Monday  and  Monday  night  in  that  city ;  that 
sleepers  had  been  engaged,  and  that  each  member  would  be 
required  to  pay  his  pro  rata — about  $6.50 — before  starting. 
Only  members  of  the  Association  were  permitted  the  privi- 
leges of  the  excursion. 

A  vote  of  thanks  was  given  the  city  of  Weatherford  for 
the  offer  to  raise  $5,000  to  entertain  the  Association,  and 
her  magnanimity  in  withdrawing  in  favor  of  Dallas  as  the 
next  place  of  meeting. 

101 


. 

HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

J.  F.  Mitchell  of  the  Greenville  Banner  offered  the  fol- 
lowing: 

"Whereas,  The  newspaper  business  is  a  legitimate  call- 
ing, in  which  we  work  for  pay ;  and  whereas,  we  deplore 
the  existence  of  dead-heads  who  systematically  prey  upon  the 
press,  and  realize  that  in  protecting  ourselves  from  said 
class  of  persons  we  should  be  careful  to  avoid  any  appear- 
ance of  practicing  the  thing  we  so  much  deplore  in  others ; 
therefore, 

"Be  it  resolved: 

"First — That  the  ordinary  courtesies  usually  extended  by 
Texas  cities  to  public  meetings  of  this  kind  will  always  be  ac- 
cepted in  good  spirit  and  be  highly  appreciated. 

"Second — That  we  are  deeply  and  truly  thankful  to  our 
god-mother,  Houston,  and  to  the  city  of  Dallas,  for  their 
extraordinary  favors  shown  us,  and  that  we  will  ever  re- 
member their  generosity  with  heart-felt  gratitude. 

"Third — That  we  feel  it  would  be  expecting  too  much 
to  stand  in  the  attitude  of  inviting  like  extraordinary  favors 
from  these,  or  other  cities  in  the  future ;  and  that  it  is  the 
sense  of  this  body  that  it  would  be  more  business-like  and 
commendable  in  the  Texas  Press  Association,  and  would  bet- 
ter establish  in  the  minds  of  the  people  the  fact  that  news- 
papers are  business  enterprises,  earning  and  spending  mon- 
ey like  any  other  legitimate  business,  if  on  future  occasions 
at  annual  meetings,  no  favors  in  the  way  of  free  hotel  fare 
for  the  time  of  entire  sessions  be  expected. 

"Fourth — That  our  sole  object  in  making  these  resolu- 
tions is  to  relieve  our  Association  of  even  the  semblance  of 
desiring  extra  favors  or  extra  generosity  from  the  cities 
of  Texas,  such  as  has  been  so  generously  extended  us  in  the 
past,  and  on  the  occasion  of  our  present  meeting,  and  such 
as  other  cities  would  feel  invited  to  extend  in  the  absence 
of  these  resolutions." 

102 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  committee  to  which  these  resolutions  were  re- 
ferred reported  as  follows : 

"We  beg  leave  to  report  that  while  we  entirely  concur 
in  the  sentiment  of  the  preamble  and  resolutions,  yet  we  are 
of  opinion  that  under  existing  circumstances  the  adoption 
of  the  resolutions  is  not  necessary." 

H.  Smythe  of  the  Weatherford  Times  offered  the  fol- 
lowing: 

"Whereas,  A  growing  evil,  oppressive  to  a  large  num- 
ber of  our  fellow  citizens  in  the  State  of  Texas,  demon- 
strates the  necessity  for  protection  to  the  debtor  class  of 
mankind ;  and 

"Whereas,  Justice  demands,  and  equity  and  sound  rea- 
son require  that  our  laws  should  build  up  and  not  destroy 
any  portion  of  our  fellow  men ;  and 

"Whereas,  Our  efforts  should  be  to  break  up  and  dis- 
countenance all  'rings'  formed  to  rob  the  poor  and  unfor- 
tunate; and 

"Whereas,  Every  State  in  the  American  Union,  save 
Texas,  has  upon  its  statute  books  a  law  requiring  all  legal 
sales  to  be  advertised ;  therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  the  members  of  the  Texas  Press  Asso- 
ciation, here  assembled,  pledge  ourselves  to  use  all  legiti- 
mate efforts  to  have  a  law  enacted  by  the  present  legisla- 
ture compelling  all  sheriffs,  constables,  and  administrators, 
to  advertise  every  and  all  legal  sales  in  a  daily  or  weekly 
paper  of  the  respective  counties  of  the  State  of  Texas." 

The  resolution  was  amended  by  striking  out  the  words, 
"here  assembled  pledge  ourselves  to,"  and  was  then  re- 
ferred to  a  committee  which  was  instructed  to  report  there- 
on at  the  next  annual  meeting.  Later  in  the  day,  how- 
ever, the  following  was  offered  and  adopted : 

"That  the  committee  this  day  appointed  to  act  on  the 
resolution  offered  by  H.  Smythe  of  the  Weatherford  Times 
be  requested  to  prepare  and  have  presented  to  the  next 

103 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

session  of  the  legislature  a  bill  embodying  the  views  and 
ideas  of  the  Association  on  the  subject  of  having  notices 
of  all  sales  of  real  estate  made  by  sheriff,  constable,  and 
administrator,  published  in  some  newspaper  published  in 
the  county  in  which  such  real  estate  is  situated." 

Another  effort  was  made  to  amend  the  constitution  in 
regard  to  who  were  and  who  were  not  entitled  to  member- 
ship in  the  Association,  as  follows : 

"All  bona  fide  publishers  and  editors  of  newspapers  and 
periodicals  published  in  this  State  not  less  frequently  than 
once  a  month,  except  persons  of  African  descent,  shall  be 
entitled  to  membership ;  provided,  that  by  publishers  and 
editors  is  meant  those  engaged  in  the  pursuit  as  a  business 
or  profession,  and  that  the  publisher  of  a  leased  paper — 
and  not  owner — is  eligible  to  membership."  An  amendment 
was  offered  which  declared  that  "persons  who  have  leased 
or  otherwise  lost  control  of  their  papers  are  not  considered 
eligible  to  membership."  After  debate,  the  whole  matter 
was  laid  on  the  table. 

Dallas  was  elected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting  over 
Austin  and  Houston. 

The  following  officers  were  elected : 

President— W.   M.  Yandell,   Seguin  Times; 

First  Vice  President — W.  A.   Fields,  Meridian  Blade; 

Second   Vice   President— J.   F.   Elliott,   Dallas   Herald; 

Third  Vice   President— J.   W.   Booth,   Decatur  Tribune; 

Treasurer — A.   W.    Gifford,   San   Antonio   Light; 

Secretary— W.   Alex  Abey,   Longview   Democrat; 

Orator — Hal    Gosling,    Castroville    Quill; 

Poetess — Miss    A.    W.    K.    Painter,    San    Antonio; 

Essayist— J.    T.    Elliott,    Dallas    Herald. 

The  annual  poem,  "An  Address  to  the  Texas  Press 
Association,"  was  read  by  Miss  A.  W.  K.  Painter  of  San 
Antonio. 

The  annual  oration  was  delivered  by  T.  J.  Girardeau  of 
the  Houston  Post. 

104 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  Treasurer's  report  showed : 

Received  from  former  secretary,  J.  W.  Burson $  67.45 

Received  from  present  secretary 113.70 

Paid   for  printing  and   telegrams $17.70 


Balance  in  treasury • $163.25 


105 


Fifth  Annual  Convention — 1884 


THE  fifth  annual  convention  was  held  in  Meyer  Hall  in  the 
city  of  Dallas,  and  was  called  to  order  on  May  5,  1884, 
by  Judge  A.  B.  Norton,  president  of  the  local  press  club. 
Mayor  Cabell  delivered  the  address  of  welcome  on  behalf 
of  the  city,  which  was  responded  to  by  President  W.  M. 
Yandell. 

On  call  of  the  roll,  the  following  members  responded : 

W.  Alex  Abey,  T.  E.  Bomar,  J.  B.  Cranfill,  J.  F.  Elliott,  A.  W.  Gifford,  Frank 
Gaston,  W.  L.  Gibbs,  W.  L.  Hall,  H.  H.  Halbert,  L.  D.  Lillard,  T.  P.  Maddox. 
J.  M.  Moore,  W;.  M.  Norton,  A.  B.  Norton,  David  Nation,  O.  O.  Nation,  J.  G. 
Rankin,  R.  D.  Rust;  E.  G.  Rust;  W.  M.  Timmerman ;  E.  S.  Terry,  S.  M.  Vernon, 
E.  F.  Yeager,  B.  M.  Vanderhurst ;  Mrs.  C.  M.  Winkler,  J.  C.  Bayne,  S.  M.  Carleton, 
C.  E.  Gilbert,  L.  M.  Green,  Nat  Q.  Henderson,  E.  C.  Huckabee,  W.  C.  Hill,  H.  V. 
Hamilton,  J.  H.  Julian,  J.  P.  Jones,  H.  C.  Jones,  Mrs.  L.  S.  McPherson,  W.  S. 
McCurley,  J.  G.  O'Brien,  C.  J.  Pilgrim,  P.  S.  Pfouts,  J.  W.  Putnam,  E.  G.  Senter, 
A.  C.  Scurlock,  W.  G.  Sterett,  J.  U.  Shumate,  D.  C.  Williams,  J.  H.  Wofford, 
W.  M.  Yandell. 

The  committee  on  membership  reported  the  following 
applicants,  all  of  whom  were  elected : 

J.  M.  Shafer,  Cisco  Telegraph  ;  F.  E.  Larimer,  Cisco  Round-Up ;  A.  J.  Caruthers, 
Llano  Rural ;  W.  A.  Adair,  Marshall  Messenger ;  George  W.  Jenks,  Stephenville 
Empire;  O.  B.  Colquitt,  Pittsburg  Gazette;  J.  M.  Donoghue,  Temple  Tribune; 
Henry  Ryder  Taylor,  Merchant  and  Manufacturer,  San  Antonio ;  J.  E.  Elgin ; 
H.  M.  Walker,  Cisco  Telegraph;  W.  H.  Neill,  Hamilton  Times;  E.  Y.  Davis,  Green- 
ville Herald;  Wm.  Ferguson,  San  Antonio  Times;  Orrin  Robertson,  McKinney 
Democrat;  N.  G.  Fowler,  Roanoke  Clipper;  J.  F.  Riggs,  Marshall  South;  O.  T. 
Carswell,  Panola  Watchman ;  T.  M.  Wadsworth,  Springtown  Pilot ;  Carey  W.  Styles, 
Austin  Capital;  H.  F.  Collier,  Wills  Point  Local  Chronicle;  J.  P.  Leslie,  Van  Als- 
tyne  Enterprise;  Deed  A.  Mayer,  Albany  News;  W.  W.  West,  New  Boston  Herald; 
W.  E.  Brown,  Gatesville  Sun;  G.  W.  Akard,  Springtown  Pilot;  Penrose  N.  Ions, 
San  Angelo  Times- Enterprise ;  H.  C.  Townsend,  Colorado  Clipper;  W.  L.  Malone, 
Fort  Wiorth  Gazette;  R.  C.  Buckner,  Dallas  Good  Samaritan;  A.  G.  Dotson,  Planter 
and  Farmer;  W.  P.  Wilson,  Fort  Worth  Democrat. 

The  constitution  was  so  amended  that  "bona  fide  pro- 
fessional journalists  on  active  duty"  might  be  elected  to 
membership  in  the  Association. 

Governor  John  Ireland  was  thanked  for  having  ap- 
pointed Colonel  J.  T.  Elliott  of  the  Dallas  Herald  chief  com- 

106 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

missioner  from  Texas  to  the  World's  Exposition,  and  J.  W. 
Booth  of  the  Decatur  Tribune  and  C.  E.  Gilbert  of  the 
Abilene  Reporter  as  assistant  commissioners. 

The  committee  to  which  was  referred  the  question  of 
legal  advertising,  coming  over  from  the  last  annual  meet- 
ing, submitted  the  following  which  was  adopted : 

"That  we  deem  it  expedient  and  proper  to  use  all  legiti- 
mate means  to  induce  the  legislature  to  enact  a  law,  similar 
to  the  statutes  of  other  States,  making  it  obligatory  upon 
all  sheriffs,  constables,  administrators,  and  others  having 
charge  of  legal  matters  requiring  publicity  by  'posted  no- 
tices,' to  advertise  all  and  every  sale  and  other  legal  notices 
in  a  daily  or  weekly  paper  in  the  respective  counties  of  the 
State  of  Texas." 

L.  L.  Foster  of  the  Limestone  New  Era  nominated 
Colonel  J.  F.  Elliott  of  the  Dallas  Herald  for  president  and 
moved  his  election  by  acclamation,  but  that  gentleman 
begged  to  decline  on  the  plea  that  he  would  probably  be  ab- 
sent a  whole  year  in  New  Orleans  as  commissioner  to  the 
Exposition.  W.  L.  Hall  was  then  elected  unanimously. 

Following  is  the  roster  of  officers  elected : 
President— W.   L.   Hall,   Dallas    Herald; 
First   Vice    President — E.    Y.    Davis,    Greenville    Herald; 
Second   Vice    President — H.    V.    Hamilton,    Tyler    Democrat    and 

Reporter; 

Third  Vice   President — J.  W.   Booth,   Decatur  Tribune; 
Orator — J.    H.    Davis,    Mount   Vernon    Herald; 
Poetess — Miss   May   Guilot,   Dallas; 
Essayist — Judge    A.    B.    Norton,    Norton's    Union    Intelligencer, 

Dallas. 

Austin  was  elected  by  acclamation,  after  Houston,  Deni- 
son  and  Weatherford  had  been  placed  in  nomination,  for  the 
next  place  of  meeting;  but  on  its  being  stated  that  the  city 
council  of  that  city  had  failed  to  extend  the  hospitalities  of 
the  capital  city  to  the  Association,  the  election  was  recon- 
sidered and  annulled  and  Galveston  was  elected  "over  two 

107 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

or  three  other  applicants  for  the  honor  of  entertaining  the 
Association." 

The  excursion  this  year  was  to  Houston.  President 
Yandell  told  of  the  arrangements  made:  That  the  mem- 
bers would  leave  in  a  special  car  and  sleeper  attached  to 
the  regular  train ;  would  be  in  Houston  Thursday  and  Fri- 
day, and  then  would  probably  go  to  Galveston  if  the  mem- 
bers should  so  desire  and  arrangements  could  be  made. 
He  had  made  application  to  the  railway  between  El  Paso 
and  the  City  of  Mexico,  with  reference  to  an  excursion  in 
that  direction,  but  had  been  informed  that  the  best  that 
could  be  done  was  to  carry  the  party  on  half  rates.  He 
also  added  that  he  had  intended  to  arrange  for  an  excur- 
sion to  the  East  but  that  Mr.  McCullough  had  offered  a 
trip  to  New  Orleans  this  fall,  and  that  would  perhaps  be 
preferred. 

Colonel  J.  F.  Elliott  of  the  Dallas  Herald  read  an  essay 
on  "The  Amenities  of  Journalism ;"  and  Miss  Awana  K. 
Painter  of  San  Antonio  read  an  original  poem,  entitled  "The 
Massacre  La  Purissima." 


108 


Sixth  Annual  Convention — 1885 


THE  sixth  annual  convention  was  held  in  the  city  of  Gal- 
veston,  February  10,  11,  12  and  13,  1885,  and  was  called 
to  order  by  President  W.  L.  Hall  in  the  C.  L.  Holmes  Hall. 

President  Hall  announced  the  presence  of  Hon.  Carl 
Schurz  whom  he  introduced  to  the  Association ;  and  who 
was  elected  an  honorary  member  instanter. 

Addresses  of  welcome  were  made  by  Mayor  Fulton  on 
behalf  of  the  city,  and  by  Hon.  Seth  Shepard  on  behalf  of 
the  citizens,  and  were  responded  to  by  President  Hall. 

C.  W.  Geers  of  the  Denton  Monitor  was  elected  ser- 
geant-at-arms. 

The  following  by  Mr.  Lillard  of  the  Fairfield  Recorder 
was  adopted : 

"Whereas,  It  is  intimated  that  a  bill  is  to  be  offered 
in  the  legislature  of  this  State  looking  to  the  licensing  of 
gambling  houses  as  a  means  of  regulating  and  restraining 
this  great  vice,  thereby  making  it  lawful  for  persons  to 
pursue  said  occupation;  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  in  the  sense  of  this  Association  such  a 
law  would  be  subversive  of  good  morals  and  would  tend 
to  exercise  a  pernicious  influence  on  the  minds  and  actions 
of  the  youth  of  the  State,  and  as  such  we  earnestly  ask  our 
legislature  to  pass  no  such  law,  but  to,  on  the  contrary, 
make  gambling  a  felony." 

The  report  of  secretary  Gilbert  showed  that  $28  had 
been  received  for  initiation  fees  and  $74  for  dues,  making 
a  total  of  $102;  and  that  he  had  paid  out  for  printing  the 
minutes  (25  pages  at  $1.35  a  page),  stamps,  postal  cards, 
telegrams  for  passes,  excursions,  etc.,  and  certificates  of 
membership,  the  sum  of  $48.70;  leaving  a  balance  of  $53.30 
in  the  treasury. 

109 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  following  officers  were  elected : 
President — T.   J.    Girardeau,    Houston   Journal; 
First  Vice  President — J.   H.   Davis,   Mount  Vernon   Herald; 
Second   Vice    President — H.    V.    Hamilton,   Tyler    Democrat   and 

Reporter; 

Third  Vice  President — Wm.  Ferguson,  San  Antonio  Times; 
Secretary — C.    E.    Gilbert,    Abilene    Reporter; 
Treasurer — L.   D.   Lillard,    Fairfield    Recorder. 
Executive    Committee: 

First    District — Luther    W.    Clark,    Bryan    Pilot; 
•Second    District — L.     D.    Lillard,    Fairfield    Recorder; 
Third   District— W.   T.   S.   Keller,   Marshall    Messenger; 
Fourth  District — T.  M.  Bowers,  Paris  Free  Tongue; 
Fifth   District — B.   C.   Murray,  Denison   Gazetteer; 
Sixth    District— W.    L.    Hall,    Dallas    Herald; 
Seventh   District — W.   A.   Shaw,   Galveston  Texas   Farmer; 
Eighth   District — J.   P.   Bridges,  Luling  Signal; 
Ninth    District — >S.    A.    Fishburn,    Mexia    Ledger; 
Tenth  District — J.  E.  Cooper,  Georgetown  Sun; 
Eleventh   District — J.   B.   Cranfill,   Gatesville  Advance. 
L.  M.  Green,  L.  W.  Clark,  A.  C.  Scurlock,  J.  S.  Penn,  and 
E.  C.  Townsend  were  appointed  a  committee  on  the  revision 
of  the   constitution   and   correction   of  the  by-laws   with   in- 
structions to  report  at  this  meeting.     But  no  report  appears 
to  have  been  made. 

The  following  by  F.  B.  Robinson  was  adopted : 
"That  the  constitution  be  so  amended  as  to  require  the 
treasurer,   instead   of   the   secretary,   to   keep   accounts    with 
members  and  receive  annual  dues." 

(The  minutes  of  this  meeting  are  in  such  shape  that 
it  is  impossible  to  tell  what  was  done.  The  pages  of  odd 
numbers  are  in  evidence,  but  the  even  numbered  pages  are 
absent.  The  minutes  were  kept  by  pasting  the  leaves  from 
the  printed  proceedings  but  the  job  it  seems  was  only  half 
completed). 

The  excursion  this  year  was  to  New  Orleans  and  San 
Antonio  was  selected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting. 


Seventh  Annual  Convention — 1886 


THE   seventh   annual   convention   was   called   to  order  by 
Acting   President    J.    H.    Davis    of    the    Mount    Vernon 
Herald,  in  the  city  of  San  Antonio,  on  the  18th  day  of  May, 
1886. 

The  address  of  welcome  on  behalf  of  the  city  was  by 
Mayor  Bryan  Callaghan.     It  was  responded  to  on  behalf  of 
the   Association   by   Acting   President   Davis. 
The  following  communication  was  read : 

"Office  of  Wells  Fargo  &  Co., 
and  Texas  Express  Co. 
San  Antonio,  Texas,  May  17,  1886. 

J.  H.  Davis,  Esqr.,  President  Texas  Press  Association: 
Dear  Sir: 

Allow  me  to  tender  the  services  of  the  above  named 
Express  Cos.  to  your  Association,  free  of  charge.  Should 
you,  while  visiting  this  city,  desire  to  ship"  any  packages, 
baggage,  etc.,  please  call  at  our  office  and  we  will  give  you 
prompt  attention. 

Yours  truly, 
J.   M.  NIXON,  Agent." 
Mr.  J.  E.  Wallis  of  Galveston  wrote: 
"It   is   with   pleasure    I    remember   the   last    meeting   of 
your  Association  in  this  city,  and  I  speak  now  on  behalf  of 
Mrs.    Wallis    and    myself.      Should    your    Association    select 
Galveston  as  the  place  to  hold  your  next  annual  meeting,  we 
will  claim  the  privilege  of  giving  you  an  entertainment  at 
our  residence,  same  as  we  had  the  pleasure  of  doing  at  your 
meeting  here  last  year." 

The  Y.  M.  C.  A.  offered  the  use  of  their  rooms  and  ex- 
tended an  invitation  to  the  Association  to  attend  a  public 
Y.  M.  C.  A.  reception  to  be  held  for  the  business  men  of 
San  Antonio. 

Ill 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  manager  of  the  Western  Union  Telegraph  Company 
wrote  Frank  Grice  of  the  San  Antonio  Express: 

"Please  present  my  compliments  to  the  press  people 
when  they  arrive  and  say  to  them  that  I  will  send  for  t'hem, 
free,  messages  of  strictly  a  social  or  domestic  nature." 

W.  H.  Winfield,  Southwestern  Passenger  Agent  of  the 
"Wabash,"  St.  Louis  &  Pacific  Railway  Company,  wrote: 

"I  have  much  pleasure  in  being  authorized  to  tender 
the  Texas  Press  Association  the  courtesies  of  the  'Great 
Wabash  Route'  from  St.  Louis  to  Chicago  and  return,  and 
trust  you  will  find  to  the  excursionists'  interest  to  elect  our 
line.  If  you  occupy  sleepers,  they  will  be  paid  for  by  you 
and  you  can  arrange  with  the  Missouri  Pacific  to  run  Pull- 
mans through  to  Chicago,  or  only  St.  Louis,  and  there  take 
the  New  York  Central  sleepers  which  run  on  our  line  and 
are  models  of  elegance  and  comfort.  Please  answer  by  re- 
turn mail  and  advise  us  when  you  will  give  definite  reply, 
that  we  may  make  necessary  arrangements  for  the  trip, 
also,  for  sleeping  car  from  St.  Louis  to  Chicago  if  so  de- 
sired." 

The  following  committees  were  announced : 

Applications  for  Membership — L.  L.  Foster,  A.  C.  Scur- 
lock,  T.  P.  Maddox,  A.  W.  Gifford,  J.  E.  Cooper. 

Resolutions— Wm.  Ferguson,  J.  B.  Cranfill,  T.  D.  Rock 

Revision  of  Roll— J.  P.  Bridges,  T.  B.  Johnson,  J.  P.  Les- 
lie, H.  C.  Townsend. 

The  following  applicants  for  membership  were  elected : 

F.  H.  Gaines,  Greenville  Appeal ;  N.  B.  Morris,  Henderson  Times ;  Enoch  Breed- 
ing, Rockdale  Messenger  ;  Percy  Darwin,  Whitesboro  News ;  J.  A.  Stephens,  Burnett 
Bulletin ;  J.  P.  Newcomb,  San  Antonio  Evening  Paper ;  E.  G.  Senter,  Fort  Worth  Ga- 
zette; Peyton  Browns,  Austin  Statesman ;  Jno.  M.  Heidt,  Alamo  and  San  Jacinto 
Monthly  ;  T.  W.  Carr ;  Bulletin  Board  ;  J.  C.  Crisp,  Uvalde  News  ;  C.  M.  Russell,  Milam 
County  Democrat;  G.  P.  Miller,  Corsicana  Observer;  S.  J.  Saunders,  Grimes  County 
News;  R.  M.  Johnston,  Houston  Post;  George  M.  Martin,  Pleasanton  Monitor; 
Calvin  Satterfield,  Austin  Statesman;  S.  R.  Whitley,  Overton  Sharpshooter;  Henry 
Muller,  Texas  Volksblatt;  Chas.  M.  Barnes,  San  Antonio  Express;  A.  S.  Whitehead, 
Pilot  Point  Index ;  H.  P.  Simonds,  Cleburne  Telegram ;  O.  Paget,  Corsicana  Cou- 
rier;  Granville  McPherson,  Blanco  Star-Vindicator;  L.  B.  Russell,  Comanche 
Town  and  Country ;  John  Hoeny,  Weatherford  Sun ;  W.  E.  Blythe,  Mount  Pleasant 

112 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

News;  Willie  Spruance,  Arlington  World;  J.  E.  Ellis,  Paris  News;  Richard  Flood, 
Winnsboro  Sentinel;  H.  C.  Thompson,  Floresville  Chronicle;  Edwin  E.  Overall, 
Jefferson  News ;  Miss  Virginia  Gordon  Rock,  Woodville  Eureka ;  J.  T.  Crooks,  Me- 
dina County  News;  R.  R.  Claridge,  Texas  Stockman;  W.  T.  Chinn,  Dallas  Herald; 
J.  M.  Gibson,  Mineral  Wells  Herald;  P.  H.  Tansy,  San  Antonio  Times;  C.  S.  Phil- 
lips, Beeville  Bee ;  W.  C.  Bowen,  Cotulla  Ledger ;  Miss  Lottie  Lyons,  Del  Rio  Dot ; 
F.  P.  Holland,  Texas  Farm  &  Ranch;  M.  H.  Clayton,  Dallas  Herald;  W.  P. 
Caruthers,  Corpus  Christi  Caller ;  W.  N.  Parks,  Medina  County  News ;  Mark  A. 
Brown,  Colorado  Clipper ;  C.  B.  Wandolhr,  Sherman  Courier ;  H.  W.  Spear,  Blanco 
News;  F.  K.  Nance,  Farmersville  Times. 

B.  F.  Yoakum,  "Traffic  Manager,"  extended  the  follow- 
ing invitation: 

"In  behalf  of  the  San  Antonio  and  Aransas  Pass  Rail- 
way, I  take  pleasure  in  inviting  your  Association  to  take 
an  excursion  to  Floresville  and  return.  If  acceptable,  our 
train  will  be  at  your  service  tomorrow,  Thursday,  at  our 
depot  on  South  Flores  street,  at  one  o'clock  p.  m." 

A  verbal  report  of  the  action  of  the  committee  on 
amendment  of  the  libel  law  was  made;  and  Dr.  W.  M.  Yan- 
d!ell  also  explained  why  the  State  Senate  of  the  Nineteenth  Legis- 
lature refused  to  pass  a  law  as  recommended  by  the  Asso- 
ciation through  their  committee.  The  matter  was  referred 
back  to  the  committee  for  their  further  consideration.  The 
matter  of  advertising  sheriff's  sales,  etc.,  was  referred  to 
the  same  committee. 

Fort  Worth  was  elected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting 
over  Corsicana  and  Dallas.  An  appeal  was  received  from 
the  Alamo  Monumental  Association  asking  the  indorsement 
and  influence  of  the  Texas  Press  Association.  Sympathy 
with  the  movement  was  expressed  and  support  promised. 
A  memorial  meeting  in  memory  of  former  President  Hal  L. 
Gosling  was  held  at  which  eulogistic  addresses  were  made  by 
several  members  and  appropriate  resolutions  adopted. 

A  communication  was  received  from  R.  M.  Roberts  of 
"The  Indian  Journal"  of  Muskogee,  Indian  Territory,  re- 
calling the  pleasant  time  he  had  enjoyed  with  Texas  edi- 
tors on  an  excursion  to  Cincinnati  and  asking  if  the  rules 
could  not  be  so  changed  that  he  could  become  a  member; 

113 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

or  failing,  if  it  could  not  be  so  arranged  that  he  could  join 
the  excursion  to  Chicago ;  or,  if  that  could  not  be  done,  he 
asked  to  be  notified  when  the  excursion  would  pass  through 
his  town  as  he  wished  to  meet  again  the  friends  he  made 
on  the  Cincinnati  trip. 

The  following  responded  to  roll  call: 

J.  P.  Bridges,  Luling  Signal ;  J.  B.  Cranfill,  Gatesville  Sun ;  Chas.  Culmore, 
Girl's  National  Reformer ;  R.  M.  Collins,  Decatur  Post ;  J.  H.  Davis,  Franklin 
Herald ;  Wm.  Ferguson,  San  Antonio  Times  ;  C.  A.  Kessler,  Linden  Sun ;  L.  D.  Lil- 
lard,  Fairfield  Recorder;  J.  M.  Moore,  Cameron  Herald;  A.  B.  Norton,  Dallas  In- 
telligencer; T.  D.  Rock,  Woodville  Eureka;  A.  C.  Scurlock,  Cleburne  Chronicle; 
S.  M.  Vernon,  Comanche  Chief ;  W.  L.  Winter,  San  Antonio  Light ;  John  G.  Rankin, 
Brenham  Banner;  H.  C.  Townsend,  Colorado  Clipper;  J.  E.  Cooper,  Georgetown 
Sun ;  L.  L.  Foster,  Groesbeck  New  Era ;  C.  E.  Gilbert,  Abilene  Reporter ;  Frank 
Grice,  San  Antonio  Express;  A.  W.  Gifford,  San  Antonio  Light;  T.  B.  Johnson, 
San  Antonio  Light;  J.  P.  Leslie,  Van  Alstyne  Enterprise;  T.  P.  Maddox,  Navasota 
Tablet ;  O.  O.  Nation,  Brazoria  Independent ;  F.  N.  Oliver,  Lewisville  Headlight ; 
Henry  Ryder-Taylor,  San  Antonio  Merchant  and  Manufacturer;  W.  M.  Timmerman, 
Arlington  World ;  W.  M.  Yandell,  Seguin  Times ;  E.  F.  Yeager,  Waxahachie  Enter- 
prise;  F.  B.  Robinson,  Huntsville  Item. 

Hon.  Hamilton  Stewart,  lovingly  called  "Old  State 
Press"  of  the  Galveston  News,  "made  some  appropriate 
and  interesting  remarks  on  the  State  press." 

L.  D.  Lillard  offered  the  following  which,  after  exended 
discussion,  was  lost  by  a  vote  of  18  to  17: 

"Whereas,  the  Texas  Press  Association  is,  to  a  great 
measure,  misunderstood  and  misrepresented  as  to  being  a 
drinking  and  semi-dissipated  body  at  its  annual  meetings ; 
therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  in  all  kindly  regard  for  the  feelings  of 
the  Local  Committee  of  Arrangements,  we  ask  them  to 
please  omit  from  the  programme  of  this  evening  the  visit 
to  the  Lone  Star  Brewery." 

T.  P.  Maddox  of  the  Navasota  Tablet  was  appointed 
temporary  sergeant-at-arms  to  notify  new  members  of  their 
election  and  escort  them  to  seats  in  the  hall. 

Officers  were  elected  as  follows: 
President— L.    L.    Foster,    Groesbeck    New    Era; 
First  Vice  President— "Wm.  Ferguson,  San  Antonio  Times; 
Second  Vice  President — A.  B.  Norton,  Dallas  Intelligencer; 

114 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Third  Vice  President — E.  G.  Senter,  Fort  Worth  Gazette; 
Secretary— J.    B.    Cranfill,    Gatesville    Sun; 
Treasurer — Tom    B.    Johnson,    San    Antonio    Light; 
Orator — R.    M.    Johnston,    Houston    Post; 
Essayist — Enoch    Breeding,    Rockdale    Messenger; 
Poetess — Miss   Lottie   Lyons,   Del   Rio   Dot. 

The  secretary  reported  having  collected  and  paid  over 
to  the  treasurer  the  sum  of  $159.30;  and  an  expense  account 
of  $10.60.  He  reported:  Members  session  of  1885,  193; 
honorary  members,  3;  admitted  this  session,  196;  making  a 
total  of  392.  There  were  suspended  for  disqualifications,  46; 
leaving  a  membership  of  346.  The  treasurer  reported  re- 
ceipts at  $221.30,  and  disbursements  $214.35,  leaving  a  bal- 
ance of  $6.65  on  hand. 

Judge  A.  B.  Norton  read  the  annual  essay,  the  subject 
being  "History  of  Journalism  in  our  Nation  and  State," 
which  was  ordered  incorporated  in  the  minutes  and  is  a 
valuable  contribution,  covering  as  it  does  the  history  of 
Texas  newspapers  from  the  first  paper  printed  in  Texas  to 
the  date  of  its  reading.  The  annual  oration  was  by  L.  L. 
Foster  of  the  Groesbeck  New  Era. 

Tom  B.  Johnson  of  the  San  Antonio  Light  offered  the 
following  which  was  referred  to  the  committee  on  resolu- 
tions, but  no  report  thereon  from  that  committee  appears 
in  the  minutes : 

"Whereas,  It  is  not  within  the  province  of  the  Texas 
Press  Association  to  regulate,  dictate  to,  or  in  any  way 
abridge  the  individual  rights  and  opinions  of  its  members 
in  matters  of  politics,  religion  or  temperance,  therefore  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  no  motion  or  resolution  referring  to 
same  shall  be  entertained  by  the  Association  when  in  con- 
vention assembled,  and  all  discussion  or  reference  thereto 
shall  be  strictly  prohibited." 

The  excursion  this  year  was  to  St.  Louis  and  Chicago. 


115 


Eighth  Annual  Convention — 1887 


THE  eighth  annual  convention  was  held  in  the  city  of 
Fort  Worth  and  was  called  to  order  on  May  24,  1887, 
by  First  Vice-President  Wm.  Ferguson,  acting  as  president 
in  the  absence  of  President  L.  L.  Foster.  He  admonished 
the  members  to  "eliminate,"  at  the  outset,  every  element 
which  tended  to  drag  in  extraneous  issues,  and  settle  right 
down  to  the  real  business  of  the  organization  as  indicated 
in  the  constitution." 

On  motion  Mr.  Ferguson  was  elected  "permanent  Presi- 
dent of  the  Association." 

The  convention  was  welcomed  by  Mayor  H.  S.  Broiles 
in  the  name  of  the  city  of  Fort  Worth,  and  by  Hon.  T.  J. 
Powell  on  behalf  of  the  city  press.  Mr.  Powell  "alluded  to 
the  fact  that  the  proud  young  city  was  in  a  measure  the  child 
of  its  daily  papers,  and  reviewed  at  length  the  history  of 
journalism  in  Fort  Worth,  starting  with  the  first  issue,  on 
July  4,  1876.  He  paid  a  high  compliment  to  Captain  B.  B. 
Paddock  and  his  'Tarantula  Map,'  published  in  the  Fort 
Worth  Democrat  on  July  26,  1876,  saying,  that,  at  that  time, 
there  was  one  railroad  and  that  now  -Captain  Paddock  was 
the  president  of  the  last  leg  of  the  'tarantula'  as  pictured 
eleven  years  ago.  He  referred  to  the  power  of  the  local 
press  in  shaping  and  developing  a  city  and  drew  illustra- 
tions from  the  record  of  the  press.  He  advised  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Association  to  work  for  their  respective  towns 
and  cities,  but  cautioned  them  (amidst  a  ripple  of  laughter) 
not  to  forget,  at  all  times,  to  labor  for  an  'even  and  sym- 
metrical development'  of  the  entire  State.  He  drew,  and 
contrasted,  the  pictures  of  the  town  as  it  was  eleven  years 
ago  and  the  city  of  today,  and  said  that  this  exemplified  the 
power  of  an  enthusiastic  local  press,  backed  by  an  enthus- 

116 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

iastic,  liberal  citizenship.  He  referred  to  the  landmarks  of 
Texas  journalism,  dropping  compliments  upon  the  'State 
Press'  (Colonel  Hamilton  Stuart  of  the  Galveston-Dallas 
News)  whom  he  called  a  veritable  'old  man  of  the  sea/  en- 
twined around  the  hearts  of  all  Texas  journalists.  He  spoke 
feelingly  of  the  late  Hal  Gosling  whose  death  was  a  State 
calamity,  and  of  others." 

Thorp  Andrews  welcomed  the  Association  on  behalf  of 
the  business  men  of  Fort  Worth  and  to  his  generous  words 
of  welcome  response  was  made  by  J.  P.  Bridges  of  the 
Luling  Signal. 

The  following  committees  were  announced : 

Resolutions— W.  C.  Bowen,  W.  L.  Malone,  J.  C.  Crisp, 
W.  A.  Guthrie,  J.  H.  Davis,  E.  E.  Overall,  C.  E.  Gilbert; 

Membership— A.   C.   Scurlock,  R.   E.  Yantis,  H.   C.  Town- 
send,  T.  P.  Maddox,  W.  A.  Adair; 

Revision  of  Roll— R.  M.  Collins,  F.  H.  Gaines,  H.  A.  Kess- 
ler,  J.  P.  Bridges,  S.  R.  Whitley; 

Order  of  Business— J.  P.  Bridges,  F.  H.  Gaines,  C.  E.  Gil- 
bert. 

The  following  members  responded  to  the  call  of  the  roll : 

W.  A.  Adair,  Marshall  Messenger ;  W.  A.  Bowen,  Austin  Statesman ;  O.  B. 
Colquitt,  Terrell  Star ;  R.  M.  Collins,  Decatur  Post ;  J.  C.  Crisp,  Uvalde  News ;  O. 
W.  Dodson,  Henderson  News ;  Richard  Flood,  Winnsboro  Sentinel ;  W.  A.  Guthrie, 
San  Angelo  Standard ;  J.  M.  Gibson,  Mineral  Wells  Herald ;  John  Hoeny,  Weather- 
ford  Sun;  T.  B.  Johnson,  San  Antonio  Light;  Miss  Lottie  Lyons,  San  Antonio 
Gossip;  W.  L.  Malone,  Fort  Worth  Gazette;  F.  N.  Oliver,  Pilot  Point  New  Era; 
A.  D.  Rust,  McGregor  Plaindealer;  J.  M.  Shafer,  Brownwood  Bulletin;  A.  C. 
Scurlock,  Cleburne  Chronicle;  A.  A.  H.  Tolar,  Abilene  Reporter;  S.  M.  Vernon, 
Farmersville  Times;  S.  R.  Whitley,  Overton  Sharpshooter;  R.  M.  Johnston,  Hous- 
ton Post;  G.  P.  Miller,  Corsicana  Observer;  J.  P.  Bridges,  Luling  Signal;  J.  B. 
Cranfill,  Waco  Advance ;  Charles  Culmore,  Girls'  Reformer ;  Miss  Fannie  Culmore, 
Girls'  Reformer;  J.  H.  Davis,  Mount  Vernon  Herald;  Wm.  Ferguson,  San  Antonio 
Times;  C.  E.  Gilbert,  Dallas  Herald;  F.  H.  Gaines,  Paris  News;  W.  C.  Hill,  Bell- 
ville  Times ;  F.  P.  Holland,  Dallas  Farm  and  Ranch ;  C.  A.  Kessler,  Linden  Sun ; 
T.  P.  Maddox,  Navasota  Tablet;  B.  C.  Murray,  Denison  Gazetteer;  Henry  Muller, 
Texas  Volksblatt,  Brenham ;  Edwin  E.  Overall,  Jefferson  News;  E.  G.  Rust,  Dallas; 
Carey  W.  Styles,  Meridian  Citizen ;  W.  M.  Timmerman,  Arlington  World ;  B.  M. 
Vanderhurst,  Texarkana  Times;  J.  J.  Spann,  Santa  Anna  Sentinel;  E.  F.  Yeager, 
Waxahachie  Enterprise;  J.  T.  Walker,  Terrell  Star. 

An  invitation  was  received  from  the  Press  Association 
of  the  State  of  Arkansas  inviting  the  Texas  Press  Associa- 

117 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

tion  to  meet  with  that  body  in  the  city  of  Texarkana,  on 
May  4,  1888. 

D.  H.  Swartz  &  Co.,  photographers,  invited  the  mem- 
bers to  have  their  "negatives"  taken,  free  of  charge,  for  the 
purpose  of  enabling  the  artist  to  make  a  group  picture  of 
the  editors.  Prof.  Alex  Hogg,  superintendent  of  the  City 
Schools  of  Fort  Worth,  invited  the  Association  to  visit  the 
schools  in  a  body.  The  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Telegraph  Com- 
pany offered  the  free  use  of  its  lines  for  the  transmission  of 
private  telegrams  to  all  points  reached  by  its  wires.  The 
Western  Union  Telegraph  Company  tendered  the  free  use 
of  its  wires  to  all  points  reached  by  its  lines.  The  Gulf, 
Colorado  and  Santa  Fe  Railway  Company  tendered  a  free 
excursion  to  Wichita,  Indian  Territory.  The  Pacific  Ex- 
press Company  offered  to  carry,  free  of  charge,  the  per- 
sonal effects  of  any  of  the  members  to  any  point  to  be 
reached  on  its  line. 

The  secretary  of  the  Colorado  State  Fair,  to  be  held 
in  Fort  Worth  on  October  27,  1887,  extended  an  invitation 
to  the  Association  to  visit  the  Fair  and  assured  the  mem- 
bers of  free  courtesies. 

A  communication  was  received  from  the  manager  of  the 
Wetsern  Newspaper  Union,  at  Dallas,  tendering  the  Asso- 
ciation a  free  excursion  to  Dallas,  to  view  the  city  and  "the 
Union's  Den." 

The  executive  committee  for  the  year  follows : 
First   District — R.   M.  Johnston,   Houston  Post; 
Second   District — S.    R.   Whitley,   Overton    Sharpshooter; 
Third  District — E.  D.   Dodson,   Henderson   News; 
Fourth    District — E.    E.    Overall,    Jefferson    News; 
Fifth    District — F.    N.    Oliver,    Pilot    Point    News; 
Sixth  District — E.  F.  Yeager,  Waxahachie  Enterprise; 
Seventh  District — H.  Stewart; 
Eighth    District— W.    C.    Hill,    Bellville    Times; 
JNin'th   District — G.  P.   Miller,   Corsicana   Observer; 
Tenth  District— J.  C.  Crisp,  Uvalde  News; 
Eleventh    District H.    C.    Townsend,    Colorado    Clipper. 

118 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 
The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

M.  M.  Gough,  Bowie  Labor  Sunbeam ;  C.  W.  Cobb,  Groesbeck  New  Era ;  O.  B.  Col- 
quitt,  Terrell  Star;  Cash  Sirpless,  Sherman  Register;  Mrs.  W.  H.  Foute,  Ladies  Messen- 
ger, Houston  ;  A.  Raglandjr.,  Daingerfield  Tidings ;  H.  W.  Morrison,  Rockwall  Success  ; 
J.  K.  Ashby,  Fort  Worth  Masonic  Journal ;  Mel  Kirkpatrick,  Cuera  Bulletin  ;  John  W. 
Dale,  Alvord  Budget ;  Wm.  Hamilton,  Tyler  Democrat  Reporter  ;  Luther  Clark,  Dallas 
Herald;  T.  R.  Keaton,  Hico  Courier;  J.T.Lewis,  Temple  Herald ;  S.  O.  Moody,  Fort 
Worth  Advertiser;  James  O.  Jones,  Kosse  Cyclone;  R.  A.  Musgrove,  Sweetwater  Record; 
Y.  B.  Dowell,  Cisco  Round-Up ;  T.  J.  Middleton,  Waxahachie  Mirror;  P.  H.  Pardue, 
Itasca  Mail;  Sam  T.  Jones,  Sulphur  Springs  Enterprise;  D.  P.  Haggard,  Dallas 
Advocate;  E.  S.  Terry,  Longview  Cycle;  B.  R.  Watts,  Belden  Monitor;  N.  T. 
Burke,  Nacogdoches  Star-News ;  H.  D.  Caldwell,  Pilot  Point  Mirror ;  W.  T.  Jones, 
Terrell  Review ;  G.  C.  Fahm,  Alvarado  Bulletin ;  W.  T.  Hawkins,  Commerce  Com- 
mercial;  Miss  Lou  S.  Bedford,  Lone  Star  Magazine,  Dallas;  M.  J.  Nolan,  Ft.  Worth 
South-West. 

Former  secretary  C.  E.  Gilbert  presented  an  account 
showing  that  the  printing  of  the  minutes  of  the  previous 
annual  convention  had  cost  $192.80  and  that  he  had  received 
only  $90  therefor. 

The  committee  to  which  was  referred  the  resolution  of 
J.  H.  Davis,  that  the  Association  appoint  a  lobby  to  attend 
the  next  meeting  of  the  legislature  and  secure,  if  possible, 
the  passage  of  a  law  requiring  sheriffs'  sales  to  'be  adver- 
tised, reported  as  follows : 

''We  realize  the  importance  and  justice  of  a  law  which 
would  require  advertisements  of  public  sales  under  judgment 
or  execution  to  be  published  in  newspapers,  rather  than  to 
be  posted  on  trees  or  bulletin  boards ;  and  we  believe  that 
such  a  change  in  the  law  would  be  more  beneficial  to  the 
public  than  to  the  publisher.  We  are  in  a  position  to  see 
and  appreciate  the  fact  that  the  real  sufferers  by  this  anti- 
quated system  are  not  heard  from ;  such  advertisements  are 
frequently  torn  down  by  interested  parties  to  prevent  the 
competition  at  sales,  which  the  advertisement  is  intended 
to  secure  for  the  benefit  of  the  debtor.  The  illegitimate 
profits  of  unscrupulous  and  designing  sharks  who  make 
their  fortunes  on  the  misfortunes  of  business  men  and 
widows  and  orphans,  whose  property  may  be  sold  under 
execution  of  judgment,  without  competition,  are  not  known 
and  fully  appreciated  by  the  public.  The  ways  and  means 

119 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

of  the  grasping  mortgage  companies,  with  agencies  in  many 
parts  of  our  State,  in  absorbing  the  farms  of  the  State,  at 
heavy  sacrifice  of  the  farms  to  creditors,  need  only  to  be  un- 
derstood to  demonstrate  the  evils  of  this  system  of  adver- 
tising forced  sales;  and  certainly  have  not  been  understood 
by  the  honest  legislators  of  our  State,  who  have  up  to  this 
time,  turned  a  deaf  ear  to  the  appeals  for  a  change  in  the 
law.  This  is  more  than  a  plain  business  matter  in  which 
the  publisher  is  interested,  and  if  we  can  demonstrate  to  the 
legislature  the  evil  of  this  law,  and  the  necessity  for  a 
change,  it  is  our  duty  to  do  so.  We  realize  the  fact  that 
the  evils  of  the  law  are  not  well  known,  and  that  shrewd 
speculators  and  professional  land-grabbers  too  often  secure 
an  influence  in  our  legislatures  and,  in  this  instance,  by 
representing  this  question  as  one  which  concerns  only  the 
publisher. 

"In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  next  session  of  the  legis- 
lature is  nearly  two  years  off  and  that  ere  that  time  we  will 
again  meet  in  annual  convention,  we  recommend  that  this 
matter  be  continued  for  a  fuller  report  and  further  action 
at  our  next  meeting;  and  that  in  the  meantime  each  pub- 
lisher be  urged  to  collate  from  the  record  of  his  own  county 
data  of  actual  occurrences  wherein  forced  sales,  by  this  un- 
just manner  of  advertising,  have  been  made,  and  property 
sold  for  one-third,  one-fifth,  and  often  one-tenth  of  its  real 
value,  with  the  victims  of  litigation  and  misfortune  as  the 
losers.  A  change  in  this  law  would  save  hundreds  of  thous- 
ands of  dollars  to  the  proper  owners  from  the  grasp  of 
land  sharks.  These  unfortunate  people  are  victims  of  our 
own  laws,  because  the  law  provides  for  the  forced  sale  for 
the  benefit  of  the  money-lenders,  or  creditors,  and  does  not 
protect  the  debtor." 

A  page  of  the  minute  book  was  dedicated  and  set  apart 
to  the  memories  of  Willie  Spurance  of  the  Arlington  World 
and  Granville  McPherson  of  the  Blanco  Star- Vindicator. 

120 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

R.  M.  Johnston  of  the  Houston  Post,  chairman  of  the 
committee  on  the  libel  law,  which  was  appointed  at  the  last  an- 
nual convention,  made  a  verbal  report  of  the  efforts  made  to  se- 
cure modification  of  the  law.  'With  other  members  of  the 
committee,  he  had  attended  the  last  session  of  the  legisla- 
ture and  soon  found  that  the  further  a  newspaper  man  kept 
away  from  there  the  better  for  him.  Legislators  whom  he 
had  approached  said  they  would  readily  vote  for  a  law  more 
drastic  and  far  reaching  than  the  present  law;  but  for  a 
modification,  never.  He,  Johnston,  would  in  the  future  vote 
against  the  appointment  of  any  committee  to  seek  relief 
from  any  legislature.  If  the  newspapers  of  Texas  were 
being  unjustly  treated,  he  preferred  placing  the  matter  before 
the  people,  and  he  had  faith  in  the  purity  and  honesty  of  the 
Texas  public  to  right  any  wrong.  "If  we  expect  a  modifica- 
tion of  the  libel  law,"  said  he,  "we  should  show  the  defects 
of  the  present  one  and  an  honest  public  opinion  will  give 
it  to  us."  He  asked  that  this  statement  be  received  by  the 
Association  as  a  report  of  the  committee,  and  that  the  com- 
mittee be  discharged. 

The  following  officers  were  elected : 

President — William   Ferguson,   San   Antonio  Times; 

First  Vice  President — W.  L.  Malone,  Fort  Worth   Gazette; 

Second   Vke    President — J.    P.    Bridges,    Luling    Signal; 

Third  Vice  President-^C.   E.   Gilbert,   Dallas   Herald; 

•Secretary — J.    B.    Cranfill,    Waco    Advance; 

Treasurer — T.    B.   Johnson,    San   Antonio    Light; 

Orator — Carey  W.  Styles,  Meridian  Citizen; 

Poetess — Mrs.    Rose    Hartwi-ck    Thorpe,    San    Antonio; 

Essayist— R.    E.    Yantis,    Wills    Point    Chronicle. 
On   the   third   ballot,    Dallas   was    selected   as   the    next 
place  of  meeting  over  Houston,  Austin,  Paris,   Brownwood, 
Texarkana,  Rockwall,  Fort  Worth  and  Sherman. 

A  communication  was  received  from  the  Texas  Express 
Company  offering  to  carry,  free  of  charge,  the  personal  ef- 
fects and  packages  of  the  members.  A  letter  was  received 
from  C.  L.  Frost  of  the  Fort  Worth  and  Denver  Railway 

121 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Company,  tendering  the  editors,  collectively  or  individually, 
a  free  ride  over  that  road  at  any  time  they  desired. 

Thanks  were  voted  the  Pacific  and  Texas  Express 
Companies,  Western  Union  Telegraph  Company,  The  Gulf, 
Colorado  &  Santa  Fe  Railway  Company,  The  Fort  Worth 
and  Denver  Railway  Company,  for  free  transportation  of  the 
members,  their  packages  and  messages ;  and  special  thanks 
to  A.  T.  McCarger,  manager  of  the  Western  Newspaper 
Union  at  Dallas,  for  a  train  furnished  at  his  expense  to  take 
the  Association  to  Dallas  and  return  to  Fort  Worth. 

An  assessment  of  one  dollar  per  member  was  voted,  to 
pay  the  outstanding  indebtedness  of  the  Association  and  the 
secretary's  salary  of  $50.  The  treasurer  reported  a  balance 
on  hand  of  $6.15.  Secretary  J.  B.  Cranfill  donated  his  salary 
of  $50  to  the  Association,  to  help  pay  its  debts. 

The  committee  reporting  the  following: 

"That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Association  that  we  should 
no  longer  lend  encouragement  to  advertising  agencies,  unless 
they  be  firms  of  long  standing  and  are  perfectly  responsible, 
and  who  never  ask  us  to  give  them  'cut'  rates  on  advertis- 
ing space ;  and,  furthermore,  we  pledge  ourselves  to  expose 
all  fraudulent  advertising  firms  or  individuals,  as  it  may 
come  to  our  knowledge,  for  our  mutual  benefit  and  protec- 
tion/' 

J.  C.  Crisp  of  the  Uvalde  News  offered  the  following: 

"Whereas,  There  is  no  paper  mill  in  Texas,  and  there 
is  annually  consumed  in  the  State  an  enormous  quantity  of 
printing  and  other  kinds  of  papers,  upon  which  a  vast  amount 
of  money  is  unnecessarily  expended  in  freights  and  other 
charges ;  be  it,  therefore, 

"Resolved,  That  all  members  of  this  Association  take  the 
matter  into  consideration  and  advocate,  in  person  and 
through  their  papers,  the  establishment  and  maintenance  in 
the  State  of  a  paper  mill  of  capacity  adequate  to  the  de- 

122 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

mands,  especially  of  the  press  and  printing  industry  of  the 
State." 

The  annual  oration  was  delivered  by  R.  M.  Johnston 
of  the  Houston  Post. 

Quite  a  discussion  was  provoked  over  the  resolution, 
offered  at  the  last  annual  convention,  seeking  to  amend  the 
constitution  and  reading  as  follows : 

"Resolved,  That  Article  III  of  the  constitution  of  this 
Association  be  amended  by  adding  after  the  word  'periodical' 
and  before  the  word  'the,'  the  following :  'Provided,  further, 
That  only  one  such  editor  or  proprietor  of  a  paper,  as  above 
specified,  that  has  been  published  not  less  than  twelve 
months  next  preceding  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Associa- 
tion, shall  be  entitled  to  membership,  and  such  application 
shall  be  accompanied  by  the  periodical  of  such  applicant.' ' 

The  resolution  was  lost. 

The  ladies  of  the  Association  and  their  escorts  were 
received  at  the  residence  of  Mrs.  W.  A.  Huffman,  where  they 
were  given  a  "varied  and  delightful"  musical  entertainment. 

The  matter  of  free  passes  was  beginning  to  agitate  the 
editorial  mind,  and  the  secretary  was  moved  to  say  in  his 
report : 

"The  only  real  difficulty  that  has  confronted  your  sec- 
retary was  a  law  recently  passed  by  the  Congress  of  the 
United  States,  called  the  Inter-State  Commerce  Bill.  For 
a  while  it  was  feared  that  passes  could  not  be  procured 
for  our  members,  but  your  secretary  is  most  happy  to  re- 
port that  the  editors  of  Texas  are  independent,  if  needs  be, 
of  free  railroad  passes,  and  the  prospective  failure  to  secure 
transportation  did  not  frighten  a  solitary  member  from  the 
prospective  pleasure  of  attending  our  annual  reunion."  The 
secretary  was  able,  it  seems,  to  secure  free  transportation 
over  every  road  in  the  State  except  the  Houston  and  Texas 
Central,  which  "curtly,  very  curtly"  refused  to  extend  the 
courtesies  of  that  road. 

123 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  following  were  appointed  as  delegates  to  the  Na- 
tional Editorial  Association,  which  was  to  meet  in  Denver, 
Colorado,  the  following  September:  E.  F.  Yeager,  W.  L. 
Malone,  Hamilton  Stuart,  A.  C.  Scurlock,  J.  P.  Bridges,  L. 
D.  Lillard,  J.  T.  Walker,  W.  A.  Adair,  B.  C.  Murray,  J.  B. 
Cranfill,  H.  C.  Townsend,  R.  M.  Johnston,  J.  H.  Davis,  T. 
P.  Maddox,  J.  P.  Leslie,  S.  M.  Vernon,  W.  M.  Timmerman, 
T.  B.  Johnson,  R.  M.  Collins,  D.  P.  Haggard,  W.  W.  West, 
Carey  W.  Styles,  C.  E.  Gilbert;  G.  P.  Miller,  Henry  Muller, 
John  O.  Ford,  Samuel  Fishburn,  S.  R.  Whitley,  N.  B.  Dowell, 
A.  A.  H.  Tolar. 

The  following  were  appointed  a  committee  to  revise  the 
constitution:  W.  N.  Parks,  W.  A.  Adair,  J.  P.  Leslie,  D. 
P.  Haggard  and  T.  P.  Maddox. 

The  excursion  was  into  the  Indian  Territory,  over  the 
Gulf,  Colorado  and  Santa  Fe  Railway,  through  Gainesville 
to  Washita  and  the  Arbuckle  Mountains. 

This  convention  is  pronounced  the  "brightest,  happiest, 
and  most  cheering  and  fraternal  session  it  (the  Association) 
has  ever  held." 


124 


Ninth  Annual  Convention — 1888 


HPHE    ninth    annual    convention    was    held    in    the    city    of 
1      Dallas   and   was   called   to  order  by   President   William 
Ferguson  on   May   14,   1888. 

The  following  members  responded  to  call  of  the  roll: 

C.  F.  Altmann,  Dallas  Volksblatt ;  J.  B.  Cranfill,  Waco  Advance;  J.  M.  Con- 
nor, Jr.,  Tyler  Tribune;  John  Guthrie,  Bandera  Bugle;  W.  C.  Hill,  Bellville 
Times ;  Isaac  H.  Julian,  San  Marcos  Free  Press ;  J.  F.  Mitchell,  Greenville  Ban- 
ner ;  Edwin  E.  Overall,  Jefferson  News ;  A.  C.  Scurlock,  Cleburne  Chronicle ;  E. 

F.  Yeager,    Waxahachie    Enterprise ;    R.    A.    Musgrove,    Sweetwater    Record ;    E.    S. 
Terry;   Longview   Cycle;   W.   E.   Blythe,   Mount  Pleasant  News;  J.    F.    Elliott,  Dallas 
Immigration  Journal ;    Richard   Flood,   Arlington   News ;    C.    W.    Geers,   Denton   Moni- 
tor;   George    W.    Jenks,    Stephenville    Empire;    T.    B.    Johnson,    San    Antonio    Light; 

G.  P.     Miller,     Corsicana     Observer;     O.     Paget,     Corsicana     Courier;     H.     Smythe, 
Weatherford    Times;    R.    E.    Yantis,    Wills    Point    Chronicle;    Cash    Sirpless,    Sherman 
Register;    B.    R.    Watts,    Belden    Monitor;   J.   J.    Callan,   Coleman   Voice;    R.    M.    Col- 
lins,   Decatur    Post;    S.    M.    Carleton,    Ennis    Review;    F.    H.    Gaines,    Paris    News; 
John    Hoeny,    Weatherford    Sun ;    R.    M.    Johnston,    Houston    Post ;    A.    B.    Norton, 
Dallas    Intelligencer;    John    G.    Rankin,    Brenham    Banner;    H.    P.    Simonds,    Cleburne 
Telegram ;    G.    C.    Fahm,    Alvarado    Bulletin ;    Sam    T.    Jones,    Sulphur    Springs    Enter- 
prise ;    John   W.    Dale,    Alvord    Budget ;    J.    H.    Davis,    Mount    Vernon    Herald ;    Wm. 
Ferguson,   San  Antonio  Times;   C.    E.   Gilbert,   Dallas  Herald;    F.   P.   Holland,  Texas 
Farm    and    Ranch ;    Emmet    Jones,    Boerne    Advance ;    C.    A.    Kessler,    Linden    Sun ; 
F.   N.   Oliver,   Pilot  Point  New   Era ;    F.   B.   Robinson,  Huntsville  Item ;    S.   R.   Whit- 
ley,   Overton  Sharpshooter ;   James   W.  Jones,   Kosse  Cyclone,   H.   W.   Manson,   Rock- 
wall    Success,    H.    D.    Caldwell,    Pilot    Point    Mirror. 

After  call  of  the  roll,  Colonel  John  F.  Elliott,  repre- 
senting Mayor  Connor,  who  was  "unavoidably  absent,"  wel- 
comed the  Association  in  behalf  of  the  city  of  Dallas.  The 
response  on  behalf  of  the  Association  was  delivered  by  R.  M. 
Johnston  of  the  Houston  Post. 

The  report  of  the  delegates  to  the  National  Editorial 
Association  at  Denver  was  made,  with  the  request  that  the 
sum  of  $35,  paid  by  the  delegates  as  membership  fees,  be 
refunded.  It  was  so  ordered.  Announcement  was  made  that 
the  Texas  delegation  had  secured  the  next  convention  of  the 
National  Editorial  Association,  and  that  it  would  be  "one 
of  the  largest  bodies  of  journalists  ever  assembled." 

The  following  committees  were  announced : 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Revision  of  the  Roll— R.  M.  Collins,  F.  H.  Gaines,  C.  A. 
Kessler,  J.  P.  Bridges,  Jno.  G.  Rankin ; 

Auditing — R.  M.  Collins,  F.  N.  Oliver,  John  Guthrie ; 

Obituaries — O.  Paget,  M.  Davis,  R.  A.  Musgrove ; 

Resolutions — J.  U.  Vincent,  J.  F.  Elliott,  John  Hoeny, 
J.  O.  Jones,  W.  E.  Blythe. 

S.  R.  Whitley  of  the  Overtoil  Sharpshooter  offered  the 
following: 

"Whereas,  There  is  now  a  system  of  advertising  through 
middle  men,  known  as  Advertising  Agencies,  and  that  the 
business  as  now  conducted  is  detrimental  to  the  publishers 
of  newspapers  for  want  of  uniformity  and  a  little  understand- 
ing among  the  publishers ;  therefore, 

''Resolved,  That  the  President  appoint  a  committee  of 
five  members  who  shall  prepare  a  schedule  of  prices  for  what 
is  known  as  foreign  advertisements  at  an  equitable  rate ;  one 
that  shall  be  just  to  both  advertiser  and  publisher,  and  shall 
submit  the  same  to  this  body  for  action  on  the  same." 

As  the  committee  provided  for,  the  President  appointed : 
S.  R.  Whitley,  C.  E.  Gilbert,  Cash  Sirpless,  J.  J.  Callan  and 
F.  B.  Robinson.  The  committee  does  not  appear  to  have 
made  a  report,  but  the  matter  of  foreign  advertising  and 
advertising  agencies  was  discussed  pro  and  con,  until  Mr. 
Spann  of  Brownwood  offered  the  following: 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Association  that 
it  is  unwise,  unjust,  and  demoralizing  for  any  member  of  this 
Association  to  negotiate  rates  of  advertising  with  agencies 
of  foreign  patrons  at  a  lower  rate  or  on  more  advantageous 
terms  than  said  paper  demands  of  home  patrons  for  like 
work,  and  that  any  variance  as  here  suggested  incurs  the 
disapproval  of  this  Association." 

Mr.  Johnson  of  San  Antonio  offered  the  following  sub- 
stitute : 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Association,  and 
its  advice  to  the  press  of  Texas,  to  put  all  advertising  agents 

126 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

on  exactly  the  same  basis  as  all  other  contractors  for  ad- 
vertising." Finally,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Vernon,  the  matter 
was  referred  to  a  committee  of  three,  with  power  to  prepare 
an  agreement  to  be  signed  by  the  members  of  the  Associa- 
tion, and  the  chair  appointed  as  said  committee :  Vernon, 
Gilbert  and  Bridges. 

The  following  new  members  were  elected : 

M.  J.  Cox,  Forney  Register;  G.  W.  Humphries,  Grandview  Sentinel;  J.  D. 
McKee,  El  Paso  Herald;  P.  S.  Browder,  Southern  Mercury,  Dallas;  S.  H.  Sayer, 
Hubbard  City  News;  J.  B.  Goode,  Paris  Good  Things;  J.  A.  Padon,  Jacksonville 
Boomer ;  J.  B.  McGraw,  Honey  Grove  Citizen  ;Albert  G.  Stuart,  Rockwall  News ; 
A.  F.  Baker,  Lampasas  News-Dispatch;  Jos.  Greer,  Van  Alstyne  News;  W.  B. 
Preston,  Dallas  Texas  Witness ;  J.  C.  Rathbone,  Midland  Staked  Plain ;  W.  A. 
Shaw,  Texas  Farmer ;  J.  M.  Howell,  Texas  Farm  and  Ranch ;  W.  F.  Black, 
Standard  Enterprise;  E.  M.  Ainsworth,  McGregor  Observer;  W.  L.  Hair,  Bartlett 
Headlight;  W.  Y.  Chester,  Blossom  Prairie  Bee;  Joe  T.  Green,  Lancaster  Herald; 
S.  P.  Evans,  Van  Alstyne  News;  G.  W.  Grossman,  Embree  Enterprise;  C.  F. 
Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald;  Alf  LaCross,  Hallettsville  Enterprise;  J.  F.  Mc- 
Cullough,  Dallas  Liberator;  James  Graham,  Cleburne  Chronicle;  W.  H.  Graves, 
Cleburne  Tribune;  C.  W.  Harned,  Dallas  Prohibition  Advocate;  J.  U.  Vincent, 
Bosque  Citizen;  John  Cullom,  Garland  News;  J.  S.  Hart,  El  Paso  Times;  Thos  E. 
Boren,  Panola  Watchman ;  J.  C.  Bigger,  Dallas  Texas  Citizen ;  R.  C.  Crane,  Fisher 
County  Call;  J.  M.  Knox,  Texas  Mesquiter;  Frank  Hoeny,  Weatherford  Sun;  N.  A. 
Cravens,  Willis  Index ;  John  H.  Copeland,  Texas  Tribune ;  R.  M.  Chapman,  Alva- 
rado  Heart  and  Hand ;  A.  D.  Lipscomb,  Crockett  Economist ;  J.  P.  Jones,  Whitney 
Messenger;  Ed  E.  Berkshire,  Dexter  Signal;  A.  M.  Kennedy,  Mexia  Democrat; 
D.  L.  Beech,  Gonzales  Inquirer;  Mrs.  Julia  A.  Rust,  Waco  Plaindealer ;  A.  B. 
Norton,  Dallas  Intelligencer;  H.  A.  Ivey,  Hallettsville  Herald;  J.  A.  Collins,  Dixie 
Land;  R.  W.  H.  Kennon,  I.awndale  Ledger;  C.  N.  Ousley,  Farm  and  Ran  :h. 

The  President  notified"  the  Association  of  the  excursion 
to  Denver,  Colorado,  tendered  by  the  Fort  Worth  and  Den- 
ver Railway  Company.  The  Aransas  Pass  Railroad  tendered 
an  excursion  to  Aransas  Pass  and  a  sail  on  the  Bay. 

Members  of  the  Colorado  State  Press  Association,  who 
were  on  an  excursion  to  Texas,  were  escorted  to  seats  and 
were  given  a  cordial  welcome. 

The  treasurer  reported  that  he  had  received  nothing 
from  the  secretary,  or  any  other  source,  had  paid  out  noth- 
ing, and  still  had  on  hand  the  amount  of  $6.15,  as  per  last 
report.  The  secretary  reported  that  he  had  collected  $127.10 
and  paid  out  $167.10  which  left  a  balance  due  him  of  $40. 

127 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

El  Paso  was  elected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting  over 
Rockport. 

The  following  officers  were  elected : 
President — J.  P.  Bridges,  Luling  Signal; 
First  Vice   President — R.   M.  Johnston,   Houston  Post; 

Second  Vice  President — H.  Smythe,  El  Paso  ; 

Third   Vice    President— G.   P.   Miller,   Corsicana   Observer; 

Fifth   District — S.   M.  Vernon,   Farmersville  Times; 
Secretary— R.    E.   Yantis,  Wills   Point   Chronicle; 
Treasurer — Frank   Mitchell,   Greenville   Banner; 
Orator — John   H.   Copeland,   San  Antonio  Tribune; 
Essayist— E.    W.    Harris,    Greenville    Herald; 
Poetess — Mrs.  O.  Paget,  Corsicana. 
Executive    Committee: 

First   District — F.    B.    Robinson,    Huntsville    Item; 

Second  District — A.  D.  Lipscomb,  Crockett  Economist; 

Third   District— E.   W.   Harris,   Greenville   Herald; 

Fourth   District— F.   H.    Gaines,   Paris   News; 

Fifth  District — S.  M.  Vernon,  Farmersville  Times; 

Sixth   District — E.    F.   Yeager,   Waxahachie    Enterprise; 

Seventh  District — Mel  Kirkpatrick,   Cuero   Bulletin; 

Eighth   District— W.   C.   Hill,   Bellville  Times; 

Ninth   District — J.    G.    Rankin,    Brenham   Banner; 

Tenth  District — T.  B.  Johnson,  San  Antonio  Light; 

Eleventh    District— G.   W.   Jenks,    Stephenville    Empire. 

The  following  delegates  were  appointed  to  the  National 
Editorial  Association:  A.  B.  Norton,  E.  F.  Yeager,  A.  C. 
Scurlock,  L.  D.  Lillard,  T.  B.  Johnson,  J.  C.  Cooper,  W.  C. 
Hill,  J.  U.  Vincent,  Wm.  A.  Fields,  O.  B.  Colquitt,  J.  H. 
Davis,  F.  N.  Oliver,  R.  M.  Johnston,  R.  M.  Collins,  R.  E. 
Yantis,  J.  P.  Bridges,  H.  C.  Townsend,  E.  Koebig,  W.  C. 
Bowen,  J.  J.  Callan,  Wm.  Ferguson,  J.  B.  Cranfill,  T.  P. 
Maddox,  C.  W.  Harned,  G.  P.  Miller,  C.  E.  Gilbert,  S.  R. 
Whitley,  O.  Paget,  J.  S.  Hart,  S.  A.  Fishburn,  F.  H.  Gaines. 

S.  G.  Spann  of  the  Brownwood  Appeal  offered  the  fol- 
lowing, which,  however,  was  not  disposed  of,  the  motion  to 
table  having  been  lost : 

"Resolved,  That  this  Association,  recognizing  the  fact 

128 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

that  the  libel  law  of  this  State,  as  it  now  stands,  is  not  clear- 
ly understood  by  the  masses  in  its  baneful  effects  upon  pub- 
lic policy,  deems  it  eminently  proper  that  the  President  of 
this  Association  at  this  meeting  shall  appoint  a  committee 
of  five  to  memorialize  the  next  legislature  in  the  name  of 
justice  and  good  government  generally,  and  especially  of  the 
entire  membership  of  this  Association,  to  so  amend  the  libel 
law  as  to  enable  the  defendant  to  offer  in  justification  of  his 
assertion  the  gravamen  of  the  offense  alleged,  and  that  all 
proceedings  shall  be  instituted  in  the  county  where  the  paper 
in  which  the  objectionable  language  was  published  is  located, 
or  in  the  county  in  which  the  responsible  party  resides." 

R.  E.  Yantis  read  the  annual  essay,  the  subject  being: 
"The  Country  Press."  The  only  paper  read  before  this  meet- 
ing was  .by  J.  P.  Bridges  of  the  Luling  Signal  on  "News- 
paper Advertising;  the  Relations  Existing  Between  Publishers 
and  Advertising  Agents." 

Excursions  were  taken  to  Austin,  Aransas  Pass,  and 
Denver,  Colorado. 

The  President  announced  the  following  standing  com- 
mittees : 

Resolutions — E.  F.  Yeager,  F.  H.  Gaines,  J.  B.  Cranfill, 
H.  A.  Ivy,  John  H.  Copeland,  J.  H.  Davis; 

Membership— W.  C.  Hill,  W.  C.  Bowen,  G.  P.  Miller,  T. 
P.  Maddox,  M.  W.  Kirkpatrick ; 

Revision  of  Roll — F.  B.  Robinson,  Frank  Gaston,  E.  S. 
Terry,  S.  A.  Fishburn,  C.  A.  Kessler ; 

Order  of  Business — B.  C.  Murray,  H.  W.  Manson,  J.  H. 
Davis. 


129 


Tenth  Annual  Convention — 1  889 


THE  tenth  annual  convention  was  called  to  order  in  the 
city  of  El  Paso  on  April  29,  1889,  by  President  J.  P. 
Bridges.  The  address  of  welcome  on  behalf  of  the  city  was 
delivered  by  Judge  J.  F.  Crosby  and  was  responded  to  by 
Former  President  Wm.  Ferguson.  The  address  of  welcome 
on  behalf  of  the  local  press  was  delivered  by  Juan  S.  Hart. 
Dr.  W.  M.  Yandell  announced  that  two  coaches  capable 
of  accommodating  eighty  people  had  been  chartered  for  the 
excursion  to  the  City  of  Mexico;  that  if  that  number  went, 
the  charge  would  be  only  ten  dollars,  being  simply  the  Pull- 
man fare ;  and  that  it  was  the  first  time  the  Mexican  Central 
Railway  Company  had  ever  sent  a  free  excursion  over  that 
road. 

On  call  of  the  roll  the  following  responded: 

W.  A.  Adair,  Marshall  Messenger ;  W.  C.  Bowen,  Cotulla  Ledger ;  D.  L. 
Beach,  Gonzales  Inquirer;  Chas.  Culmore,  Reformer,  Houston;  H.  D.  Cadwell, 
Gainesville  Signal ;  N.  A.  Cravens,  Jr.,  Willis  Index ;  John  W.  Dale,  Springtown 
News ;  Mrs.  Laura  E.  Foute,  Houston  Ladies'  Messenger ;  John  Guthrie,  San  An- 
gelo  Standard  ;  Mark  Hamilton,  Tyler  Democrat  and  Reporter  ;  Frank  Hoeny,  Weather- 
ford  Sun ;  R.  M.  Johnston,  Houston  Post ;  T.  B.  Johnson,  San  Antonio  Light ; 
A.  M.  Kennedy,  Mexia  Democrat ;  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald ;  J.  F. 
Mitchell,  Greenville  Banner;  D.  J.  Moffitt,  Pilot  Point  Post-Mirror;  W.  H.  Neel, 
Dublin  Telephone;  E.  E.  Overall,  Jefferson  Iron  News;  J.  A.  Padon,  Palestine 
Advocate;  Fred  B.  Robinson,  Huntsville  Item;  A.  D.  Rust,  Waco  Plaindealer; 
S.  H.  Sayer,  Hubbard  City  News;  R.  E.  Yantis,  Wills  Point  Chronicle;  J.  P. 
Bridges,  Luling  Signal ;  T.  E.  Boren,  Carthage  Watchman ;  J.  B.  Cranfill,  Waco 
Advance ;  S.  M.  Carleton,  Ennis  Review ;  J.  M.  Connor,  Daingerfield  Herald ;  J.  H. 
Copeland,  San  Antonio  Tribune;  Wm.  Ferguson,  San  Antonio  Times;  J.  S.  Hart, 
EJ1  Paso  Times ;  John  Hoeny,  Abilene  Reporter ;  Frank  P.  Holland,  Texas  Farm 
and  Ranch ;  G.  W.  Jenks,  Stephenville  Empire ;  R.  C.  Johnson,  Galveston  Opera 
Glass;  J.  M.  Knox,  Mesquite  Mesquiter ;  L.  D.  Lillard,  Fairfield  Recorder;  R.  A. 
Musgrove,  Sweetwater  Record ;  T.  P.  Maddox,  Navasota  Tablet ;  Geo.  M.  Martin, 
Pleasanton  Monitor;  F.  N.  Oliver,  Oak  Cliff  Weekly;  O.  Paget,  Corsicana  Cou- 
rier; P.  H.  Pardue,  Itasca  Mail;  E.  G.  Rust,  Land  and  Immigration  Journal, 
Dallas;  W.  A.  Shaw,  Texas  Farmer,  Dallas;  H.  C.  Townsend,  Colorado  City 
Clipper;  E.  F.  Yeager,  Waxahachie  Enterprise. 

During  a  recess   the   members   of  the   Association   were 
presented    with    "button-hole    bouquets"    by    Misses    Marie 

130 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Shelton,  Belle  Moore,  Victoria  Wood,  and  Florence  Beall, 
four  charming  young  ladies  of  El  Paso. 

An  invitation  was  received  from  the  Arkansas  State 
Press  Association,  inviting  the  Texas  Press  Association  to 
send  one  or  more  delegates  to  their  next  annual  convention. 
A  similar  invitation  was  received  from  the  Missouri  State 
Press  Association. 

The  following  committees  were  announced : 

Membership — W.  C.  Bowen,  C.  F.  Lehmann,  W.  A. 
Adair,  T.  E.  Boren ; 

Revision  of  Roll— E.  F.  Yeager,  J.  F.  Mitchell,  D.  L. 
Beach,  S.  M.  Carleton,  H.  D.  Cadwell ; 

Resolutions — E.  F.  Yeager,  R.  A.  Musgrove,  J.  B.  Cran- 
fill,  J.  H.  Copeland,  Juan  S.  Hart,  Wm.  Ferguson; 

Memorial— Juan  S.  Hart,  J.  B.  Cranfill,  Dr.  W.  M.  Yan- 
dell. 

The  Board  of  Directors  of  the  North  Texas  Insane 
Asylum  returned  thanks  for  papers  and  periodicals  sent  that 
institution  by  members  of  the  Association  and  others,  saying 
that  any  further  donations  of  that  kind  would  be  thankfully 
received  and  publicly  acknowledged. 

Fred  B.  Robinson  of  the  Huntsville  Item  was  appointed 
assistant  secretary. 

The  following  new  members  were  elected,  the  secre- 
tary casting  the  vote  of  the  Association  on  each  name  as 
called : 

M.  M.  McFarland,  Limestone  New  Era ;  L.  C.  Demaree,  Overton  Sharpshooter ; 
J.  A.  C.  Kemble,  Waxahachie  Democrat;  Henry  Reese,  Jr.,  Gonzales  Inquirer; 
Miss  Ruth  Cook,  Greenville  Zontas ;  John  M.  Connor,  Waco  Trade  Review ;  J.  C. 
Crisp,  Hillsboro  Reflector ;  J.  S.  A.  Stevens,  Burnet  Bulletin ;  D.  W.  Barnhill, 
Uvalde  News;  J.  C.  Son,  Palo  Pinto  Star;  Chas.  L,ongnemare,  El  Paso  Bulletin; 
J.  O.  Hamilton,  El  Paso  Times;  L.  L.  Beech,  Houston  Echo;  W.  B.  Teagarden, 
Mineola  Monitor ;  W.  T.  S.  Keller,  San  Angelo  Enterprise ;  R.  Rule,  El  Paso 
Herald ;  Chas.  -\.  Edwards,  New  Birmingham  Times ;  Forest  T.  Morgan,  Quanah 
Eagle ;  Mrs.  C.  Bryarly,  Timpson  Times ;  J.  C.  Reubell,  Whitewright  Plow  and 
Hammer ;  O.  F.  Dornblaser,  Grandview  Sentinel ;  Wm.  Blakeslee,  Hallettsville 
New  Era;  Wm.  Iv.  Newman,  Waller  County  Courier;  W.  E.  Gilliland,  Baird  Star; 
F.  E.  Larimer,  Cisco  Round-Up ;  J.  E.  Davis,  Reagan  Herald ;  M.  F.  Beaumont, 
Hillsboro  Mirror;  I.  V.  Jolly,  Rusk  Standard  Enterprise;  Mrs.  M.  R.  Walton, 

131 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Fort  Worth  Gazette ;  Geo.  A.  Speck,  El  Paso  Tribune ;  J.  T.  Stark,  Orange  Tri- 
bune; Mark  Riley,  Brakett  News;  C.  W.  Geers,  Jr.,  Denton  Monitor;  Miss  M.  K. 
Conyngton,  Houston  Ladies'  Messenger;  R.  E.  Connor,  Daingerfield  Record;  P.  M. 
McCaleb,  Carrizo  Springs  Javelin ;  T.  L,.  Kinsey,  Gatesville  Star. 

The  memorial  committee  presented  resolutions  in  regard 
to  the  death  of  H.  Smythe  of  El  Paso,  which  were  spoken 
to  by  several  members  who  eulogized  the  deceased.  These 
resolutions  were  adopted  by  a  rising  vote. 

R.  M.  Johnston  of  the  Houston  Post  offered  the  follow- 
ing which  was  laid  on  the  table  subject  to  call: 

"Whereas,  The  twenty-first  legislature  of  Texas  having 
failed  to  respond  to  a  very  general  demand  of  the  press  of 
the  State  for  relief  from  the  present  unfair  libel  law; 

.  "Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association  views  with 
regret  this  failure  of  the  law-making  power  to  give  to  the 
press  the  benefit  of  a  fair,  just,  and  equitable  law  on  the 
subject  of  libel. 

"Resolved,  That  a  special  committee  of  three  members 
be  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  this  subject  and  re- 
port at  the  next  annual  meeting  such  matter  as  may  to  such 
committee  seem  proper." 

(There  does  not  appear  to  have  been  any  action  on  this). 

L.  D.  Lillard  of  the  Fairfield  Recorder  submitted  the 
following : 

"Whereas,  It  is  susceptible  of  demonstration  that  the 
general  press  of  our  State,  regardless  of  whether  they  are 
home  print  or  auxiliary  papers,  do  not  receive  that  benefit 
from  foreign  advertising  which  they  might  receive  by  a  co- 
operation of  interests  and  union  of  purposes;  and, 

"Whereas,  It  can  be  shown  that  said  co-operation  of 
publishers  can  be  effected  with  correspondingly  beneficial 
results,  regardless  of  the  style  of  paper  they  may  prefer  to 
issue;  therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  seven  be  appointed  to 
report  to  this  Association,  at  its  present  session,  the  advis- 
ability of  a  co-operative  union  of  the  Texas  newspaper  pub- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

lishers;  and,  also,  a  plan  whereby  they  may  receive  from 
their  advertising  columns  a  much  greater  benefit  than  it  is 
possible  for  them  to  now  receive  by  reason  of  the  circum- 
stances operating  against  them." 

The  resolutions  were  referred  to  a  committee  consisting 
of  L.  D.  Lillard,  R.  E.  Yantis,  J.  H.  Copeland,  T.  B.  Johnson, 
T.  P.  Maddox,  Mark  Riley  and  W.  A.  Shaw,  which  reported 
as  follows : 

"We  find,  from  the  limited  time  that  we  have  had  at 
our  disposal  in  consequence  of  attending  the  places  of  in- 
terest visited  by  the  Association,  we  have  not  been  able  to 
formulate  a  full  or  elaborate  plan  of  co-operation  whereby 
we,  as  publishers,  can  unite  for  mutual  .protection  and  bene- 
fit. 

"In  considering  this  question,  we  recognizze  that  it  is 
not  the  province  of  this  Association  to  bind  its  members 
to  the  support  of  any  plan  or  organization,  and  that  its 
action  can  be  advisory  only.  Therefore,  we  have  not  deemed 
it  expedient  to  try  to  submit  any  plan  of  organization  with 
elaborate  details,  knowing  that  whatever  enterprise  may  be 
established  must  commend  itself  to  the  judgment  of  every 
individual  publisher. 

"We  are,  nevertheless,  firmly  convinced  from  hearing 
plans  outlined  by  several  men  of  fine  business  qualifications, 
that  a  co-operative  union  as  contemplated  can  be  formed 
on  such  a  basis  of  equity  and  reciprocity  as  will  at  once 
commend  itself  to  every  Texas  publisher  and  appeal  to  his 
every  feeling  of  pride  and  self-interest  for  his  voluntary  sup- 
port. 

"Therefore,  in  order  to  place  this  Association  on  record 
as  desiring  the  fullest  freedom  in  the  management  of  our 
business  affairs,  we  submit  the  following  resolutions : 

"Resolved,  That  while  the  Texas  Press  Association  has 
no  feeling  of  enmity  as  a  body,  or  individually,  against  any 
establishment  with  whom  it  has  publishing  relations,  yet  we, 

133 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

as  a  body,  will  look  with  favor  upon  the  organization  of  any 
kind  of  co-operative  publishing  and  advertising  company 
that  will  be  in  a  measure  under  the  contract  of  its  patrons, 
and  operated  so  as  to  give  each  publisher  co-operating  with 
it  the  fullest  measure  of  benefit  to  be  derived  from  it. 

"Resolved,  That  while  we  regard  the  publisher's  busi- 
ness as  one  of  common  interest  to  all,  whether  members  of 
this  Association  or  not,  wre  ask  and  invite  every  publisher 
not  a  member  of  the  Texas  Press  Association  to  join  with  us 
in  a  co-operative  enterprise  that  we  feel  can  be  made  a  per- 
fect success,  if  we  will  but  band  together  in  a  common  union 
of  publishing  and  advertising  interests. 

"Resolved,  Further,  that  a  standing  committee  of  five 
be  appointed  to  submit  to  the  general  press  of  the  State  a 
plan  of  co-operation  as  contemplated  in  this  report." 

The  annual  oration  was  delivered  by  John  H.  Copeland 
of  San  Antonio.  Mrs.  Nellie  Paget  of  Corsicana  being  un- 
able to  attend  the  convention,  her  poem,  "The  Press,"  was 
read  by  J.  B.  Cranfill  of  the  Waco  Advance.  The  annual 
essay,  "Journalism — The  Press  as  a  Factor  of  Civilization," 
was  read  by  E.  W.  Harris  of  the  Greenville  Herald. 

The  officers  elected  were : 
President — R.   M.   Johnston,   Houston   Post; 
First  Vice  President — R.  E.  Yantis,  Wills  Point  Chronicle; 
Second  Vice  President — Juan   S.   Hart,   El  Paso  Times; 
Third  Vice   President — J.   F.    Mitchell,   Greenvilk    Banner; 
Secretary — Fred   B.   Robinson,   Huntsville   Item; 
Treasurer — T.   B.   Johnson,    San    Antonio    Light. 
Executive   Committee: 

First    District — N.    A.    Cravens,   Jr.,   Willis    Index; 

Second    District — C.    A.    Edwards,    New    Birmingham    Times; 

Third  District — W.  A.  Adair,  Marshall  Messenger; 

Fourth  District — F.  H.  Gaines,  Paris  News; 

Fifth  District — S.  M.  ernon,  Farmersville  Times; 

Sixth  District — E.   F.  Yeager,  Waxahachie  Enterprise; 

Seventh  District — R.  C.  Johnson,  Galveston  Opera  Glass; 

Eighth  District — D.  L.  Beach,  Gonzales  Inquirer; 

134 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Ninth  District — A.  M.  Kennedy,  Mexia  Democrat; 
Tenth   District — W.   M.   Ferguson,   San   Antonio   Times; 
Eleventh  District—John  W.  Dale,   Springtown  Newsdealer; 

Poetess — Mrs.   Mary   Hunt   Odom,   of   Abilene; 

Orator— W.   A.    Shaw,  Texas   Farmer,   Dallas; 

Essayist — J.   B.   Cranfill,  Waco  Advance. 

The  members  were  taken  in  carnages,  provided  by  the 
citizens  of  El  Paso,  around  the  city  and  then  across  the  Rio 
Grande  river  to  the  city  of  Juarez,  where  they  were  wel- 
comed by  the  mayor  of  that  city  and  the  officials  of  the 
Mexican  custom  house.  Later  the  editors  were  given  a 
banquet  in  the  new  custom  house  building  and  were  then 
driven  to  the  home  of  Dr.  Alexander  "where  another  pleasant 
surprise  was  in  waiting."  At  night  "a  grand  banquet  was 
tendered  the  editors  at  the  Grand  Central  Hotel." 

The    following   was    adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  an  explicit  statement  be  made  and 
printed  in  the  minutes  clearly  stating  the  qualifications  for 
membership  in  the  Texas  Press  Association." 

The  committee  on  membership  recommended  that  Article 
III  of  the  constitution  be  so  amended  as  to  read : 

"All  bona  fide  proprietors  or  editors  of  newspapers  or 
periodicals  published  in  Texas,  not  less  frequently  than  once 
a  month,  and  which  have  been  in  existence  not  less  than  six 
months,  shall  be  entitled  to  membership  in  this  Associa- 
tion ;  provided,  said  applicant  has  been  connected  with  said 
publication,  either  as  editor  or  proprietor  for  a  period  of  not 
less  than  three  months ;  provided,  further,  that  this  article 
shall  not  be  so  construed  as  to  debar  acknowledged  profes- 
sional newspaper  men  who  are  members  of  this  Association, 
but  temporarily  out  of  the  business  or  employment  and  not: 
engaged  in  other  business." 

The  initiation  fee  was  fixed  at  $5  and  the  annual  dues 
at  $2.  The  treasurer  reported  $207  on  hand. 

The  following  submitted  by  W.  A.  Adair  of  the  Marshall 
Messenger  was  adopted : 

135 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"Whereas,  A  majority  of  the  members  of  this  Associa- 
tion are  greatly  inconvenienced  at  being  away  from  their 
business  on  the  first  of  the  month ;  therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  future  annual  meetings  of  the  Texas 
Press  Association  be  held  on  a  date  not  earlier  than  the  4th 
and  not  later  than  the  15th  of  May." 

The  secretary  was  ordered  to  have  the  printed  proceed- 
ings of  the  Association  for  the  preceding  ten  years  bound 
in  book  form,  and  was  authorized  to  draw  on  the  treasurer 
for  any  sum  not  exceeding  $5  to  pay  for  same. 

The  following  standing  committees  were  announced : 

Resolutions— J.  B.  Cranfill,  O.  Paget,  W.  A.  Shaw,  J.  F. 
Mitchell,  H.  C.  Townsend,  C.  Culmore,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Foute ; 

Membership— J.  P.  Bridges,  A.  C.  Scurlock,  L.  D.  Lillard, 
W.  C.  Bowen,  T.  P.  Maddox,  Mrs.  M.  R.  Walton; 

Revision  of  Roll — John  H.  Copeland,  E.  W.  Harris,  C. 
F.  Lehmann,  G.  W.  Jenks,  Miss  V.  G.  Rock; 

Order  of  Business — Frank  Holland,  John  Hoeny,  E.  E. 
Overall,  F.  N.  Oliver,  Mrs.  R.  S.  Bryarly. 

W.  A.  Guthrie  of  the  San  Angelo  Standard  offered  the 
following,  which  was  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  the  warmest,  most  earnest  thanks  of 
this  Association  be  tendered  Mrs.  H.  Smythe  for  her  labors 
in  behalf  of  its  entertainment  and  amusement.  I  am  sure 
that  in  the  future,  when  we  look  back  at  the  glorious  time 
we  have  spent  in  the  city  whose  head  is  pillowed  on  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  whose  large,  generous  heart  beats  in  an 
atmosphere  that  must  'be  prepared  in  heaven,  and  whose 
feet  are  laved  by  the  Rio  Grande,  the  figure  of  Mrs.  H. 
Smythe  will  occupy  a  prominent  place  in  the  foreground 
of  one  of  the  most  delightful  pictures  that  can  never  be 
effaced  from  our  memories." 

The  excursion  was  to  the  City  of  Mexico. 

The  following  delegates  to  the  National  Editorial  Asso- 
ciation were  appointed :  W.  A.  Adair,  R.  A.  Musgrove,  H. 

136 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

C.  Townsend,  Chas.  Culmore,  J.  C.  Crisp,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Foute, 
R.  E.  Yantis,  A.  M.  Kennedy,  O.  Paget,  J.  B.  Cranfill,  J.  H. 
Copeland,  John  Hoeny,  G.  M.  Martin,  F.  B.  Robinson,  Juan 
S.  Hart,  E.  W.  Harris,  L.  D.  Lillard,  N.  A.  Craven,  F.  P. 
Holland,  T.  P.  Maddox,  E.  F.  Yeager,  J.  P.  Bridges,  F.  N. 
Oliver,  J.  V.  Stark,  R.  M.  Johnston,  S.  M.  Carleton,  L.  L. 
Beach. 


137 


Eleventh  Annual  Convention — 1890 


THE  eleventh  annual  convention  was  held  in  Turner  Hall 
in  the  city  of  Houston  and  was  called  to  order  by  Presi- 
dent R,  M.  Johnston  on  May  6,  1890.  Honorable  Henry 
Scherffius,  Mayor  of  Houston,  welcomed  the  editors  on  be- 
half of  the  city.  He  was  followed  by  William  D.  Cleveland 
who  delivered  the  address  of  welcome  on  behalf  of  the 
citizens  and  business  men  of  Houston.  Response  to  the  ad- 
dresses of  welcome  was  made  by  Colonel  W.  L.  Malone  of 
the  Fort  Worth  Gazette. 

Call  of  the  roll  showed  the  following  members  present : 

W.  A.  Adair,  Marshall  Messenger ;  Dr.  L.  Beach,  Houston  Echo ;  Peyton 
Brown,  Austin  Statesman ;  W.  E.  Blythe,  Mt.  Pleasant  News ;  W.  C.  Bowen, 
Cotulla  Ledger;  Mrs.  C.  Bryarly,  Center  Star-News;  S.  M.  Carleton,  Ennis  Re- 
view ;  Miss  M.  K.  Conyngton,  Houston  Ladies'  Messenger ;  J.  H.  Copeland,  San 
Antonio  Tribune ;  M.  J.  Cox,  Merkel  Mail ;  Chas.  Culmore,  Houston  Reformer ; 
J.  W.  Dale,  Springtown  Newsdealer ;  Chas.  A.  Edwards,  New  Birmingham  Times; 
W.  F.  Foster,  Canton  Telephone;  W.  P.  Caines,  Austin  Statesman;  W.  A.  Guthrie ; 
ban  Angelo  Standard;  J.  S.  Hart,  El  Paso  Times;  R.  W.  Haltom,  Nacogdoches 
Chronicle;  G.  W.  Jenks,  Stephenville  Empire;  R.  C.  Johnson,  Galveston  Opera 
Glass ;  J.  O.  Jones,  Calvert  Courier ;  I.  H.  Julian,  San  Marcos  Free  Press ;  A.  M. 
Kennedy,  Mexia  Democrat ;  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald ;  W.  L.  Malone, 
Ft.  Worth  Gazette ;  H.  W.  Manson,  Rockwall  Success ;  J.  F.  Mitchell,  Greenville 
Banner;  F.  M.  McCaleb,  Carrizo  Springs  Javelin;  R.  A.  Musgrove,  Sweetwater 
Record;  A.  B.  Norton,  Dallas  Intelligencer;  O.  Paget,  Galveston  Printer;  J.  G. 
Rankin,  Brenham  Banner ;  J.  C.  Reubel,  Whitewright  Plow  and  Hammer ;  L.  D. 
Rock,  Woodville  Eureka;  A.  C.  Scurlock,  Cleburne  Chronicle;  A.  G.  Stuart,  Rock- 
wall  News;  S.  M.  Vernon,  Farmersville  Times;  B.  R.  Watts,  Belden  Monitor;  J. 
L.  Watson,  Houston  Post ;  D.  W.  Barnhill,  Uvalde  News ;  D.  L.  Beech,  Gonzales 
Inquirer;  W.  C.  Blakeslee,  Hallettsville  New  Era;  T.  E.  Boren,  Carthage  Watch- 
man ;  W.  F.  Brittingham,  Fort  Worth  Gazette ;  H.  D.  Cadwell,  Gainesville  Signal ; 
John  M.  Connor,  Ft.  Worth  Mail;  W.  D.  Cox,  Bryan  Pilot;  N.  A.  Cravens,  Jr., 
Willis  Index ;  John  H.  Cullom,  Garland  News ;  Mrs.  Fannie  Culmore,  Houston 
Reformer;  O.  F.  Dornblaser,  Grandview  Sentinel;  S.  P.  Evans,  Van  Alstyne  News; 
Mrs.  Laura  E-  Foute,  Ladies'  Messenger,  Houston;  W.  E.  Gilliland,  Baird  Star; 
M.  L.  Hair,  Bartlett  Headlight;  John  Hoeny,  Jr.,  Abilene  Reporter;  H.  A.  Ivy, 
Waco  News ;  R.  M.  Johnston,  Houston  Post ;  T.  B.  Johnson,  San  Antonio  Light ; 
H.  P.  Jones,  Whitney  Messenger ;  W.  T.  S.  Keller,  San  Angelo  Enterprise ;  F.  E. 
Larimer,  Cisco  Round-Up;  L.  D.  Lillard,  Fairfield  Recorder;  T.  P.  Maddox, 
Navasota  Tablet;  G.  P.  Miller,  Corsicana  Observer;  M.  M.  McFarland,  Limestone 
New  Era;  B.  C.  Murray,  Denison  Gazetteer;  W.  H.  Neel,  Dublin  Telephone;  J.  A. 
Padon,  Palestine  Advocate;  P.  H.  Pardue,  Itasca  Mail;  Henry  Reese,  Jr.,  Gon- 

138 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

zales  Inquirer ;  Fred  B.  Robinson,  Huntsville  Item ;  Miss  V.  G.  Rock,  Woodville 
Eureka;  W.  A.  Shaw,  Texas  Farmer,  Dallas;  H.  C.  Thompson,  Flaresville 
Chronicle;  Mrs.  M.  R.  Walton,  Ft.  Worth  Gazette;  S.  R.  Whitley,  Austin  Globe ; 
Alex  Wynne,  Beaumont  Enterprise. 

The  executive  committee  made  the  following  recommen- 
dations : 

"1.  The  exercise  of  greater  care  by  the  committee  on 
membership  in  passing  on  applications  for  membership,  and 
in  the  election  of  members  by  the  Association,  with  a  view 
to  protecting  both  the  Association  and  parties  extending 
courtesies  to  same. 

"2.  The  wiping  out  of  the  honorary  roll  of  membership 
carried  in  the  past  years,  and  that  in  the  election  of  honorary 
members  in  future  such  election  hold  for  one  year  only. 

"3.  That  in  future  only  the  number  of  delegates  en- 
titled to  seats  in  the  National  Editorial  Association  be  se- 
lected, and  that  the  President  have  the  power  to  appoint 
same." 

In  the  matter  of  a  libel  law,  the  committee  offered  for 
the  consideration  of  the  Association  the  following  sugges- 
tions for  a  bill  it  considered  equitable  and  just  to  all  parties 
concerned : 

"In  any  action  for  damage  for  libel,  if  it  appears  that 
the  matter  complained  of  was  proper  for  public  information, 
no  recovery  of  exemplary  damage  shall  be  had  against  any 
defendant  unless  he  is  shown  to  have  acted  with  malice  in 
making  publication. 

"The  publication  of  the  following  matters  shall  be  privi- 
leged, when  there  is  reasonable  ground  for  belief  in  the  truth 
of  the  same;  unless  it  appear  that  such  publications  are 
prompted  by  malice  in  the  parties  defendant : 

"1.  The  official  actions  of  officers  proceeding  under 
legal  process. 

"2.  Matters  concerning  the  fitness  of  candidates  for 
public  offices,  or  concerning  the  official  conduct  of  occupants 
of  public  offices. 

139 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"3.  Matters  concerning  public  abuse  or  nuisance  of  any 
kind  whatsoever. 

"4.  Matters  relating  to  the  gross  turpitude  or  immor- 
ality on  individuals,  of  such  a  nature  as  to  corrupt  or  debase 
public  morals. 

"5.  Matters  concerning  trade  and  finance  in  which  the 
public  have  an  interest. 

"No  recovery  shall  be  had  for  the  publication  in  good 
faith,  with  reasonable  ground  for  belief  in  the  truth  of  the 
same,  or  any  matters  included  above;  provided  the  pub- 
lisher of  the  matter  complained  of,  on  being  requested  by 
the  party  complaining,  gives  promptly  by  publication  as 
much  prominence  and  publicity  to  any  statement  of  reason- 
able length  and  couched  in  respectable  language  that  may 
be  summitted  to  him  by  the  latter,  as  was  given  to  the  mat- 
ter complained  of. 

"Suits  for  damages  for  libel  may  be  brought  in  the 
county  of  the  residence  of  the  plaintiff  or  defendant,  and 
there  only;  and  but  one  recovery  shall  be  had  involving  the 
same  parties,  plaintiff  and  defendant,  for  one  issue,  edition 
or  publication  of  a  libel." 

After  lively  discussion,  the  report  was  adopted  as  pre- 
sented. Later,  on  motion  of  R.  M.  Johnston  of  the  Houston 
Post,  reconsideration  of  the  motion  by  which  the  report  was 
adopted  was  had  and  sections  4  and  5  were  ordered  stricken 
out. 

The  following  new  members  were  elected : 

W.  L.  Campbell,  Bellville  Standard;  J.  P.  Nail,  Gatesville  Star;  W.  F. 
Clanahan,  South-East  Texas  Journal ;  Wm.  Bennett,  Trinity  Watchman  and 
Graphic;  T.  M.  Woods,  Rockdale  Democrat;  W.  D.  Adams,  Forney  Tri- 
bune ;  John  M.  Green,  Yoakum  Graphic ;  E.  Doremus,  Dallas  News ;  D.  P. 
Rock,  Woodville  Eureka;  W.  C.  Easterling,  Del  Rio  Record;  J.  T.  Robin- 
son, Morris  County  News;  F.  A.  Venny,  Temple  Sun;  J.  T.  Browning, 
Parsonage  Press,  LaGrange ;  John  J.  Haggerty,  Bellville  Standard ;  J.  W. 
Crayton,  Royse  City  Alta ;  T.  C.  McFarland,  Limestone  New  Era;  H.  V. 
Hamilton,  Tyler  Democrat-Reporter;  H.  J.  Strickfaden,  Clay  County  Chieftain;  F. 
B.  Baillio,  Alvarado  Bulletin;.  E.  G.  Lowe,  Dallas  News;  W.  F.  Beck,  Weatherford 
Constitution;  E.  B.  Walker,  Gainesville  Register;  Mrs.  Eula  Nail,  Gatesville  Star; 
W.  B.  Page,  Crockett  Courier;  O.  W.  Bradley,  Harrold  Telephone;  J.  Y.  Schenck, 

140 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Lone  Oak  News;  W,  C.  O'Bryan,  McGregor  Observer;  A.  C.  Valdez,  San  An- 
tonio El  Heraldo;  G.  W.  Rose,  Cisco  Round-Up;  W.  W.  Dexter,  Ft.  Worth  Trade 
Review ;  W.  M.  Imboden,  Cherokee  Herald,  Rusk. 

An  invitation  was  received  from  Major  Robert  Burns, 
secretary  of  Hood's  Texas  Brigade,  to  attend  the  annual  re- 
union of  that  organization  to  be  held  at  Hempstead  on  June 
27,  1890.  The  editors  were  invited  to  attend  the  Teachers' 
State  Association  to  be  held  in  Galveston  beginning  June 
24,  1890.  The  Texas  Spring  Palace  at  Fort  Worth  extended 
an  invitation  to  the  Association. 

A.  M.  Kennedy  of  the  Mexia  Democrat  offered  the  fol- 
lowing: 

"That  the  President  be  and  is  hereby  authorized  to  ap- 
point a  committee  of  five,  of  which  the  President  shall  be  ex- 
officio  chairman,  who  shall  memorialize,  and  take  such  other 
action  as  they  may  deem  proper,  to  secure  the  enactment 
by  the  Twenty-Second  Legislature  of  a  libel  law  embodying 
the  statement  of  and  in  accordance  with  the  suggestion  made 
by  the  executive  committee  in  its  report." 

The  annual  oration  was  delivered  by  W.  A.  Shaw  of  the 
Texas  Farmer.  Mrs.  Mary  Hunt  McCaleb  Odom  of  Abi- 
lene read  the  annual  poem :  "The  Lone  Star  State."  State 
Superintendent  O.  H.  Cooper  addressed  the  convention  on 
the  subject  of  Education. 

Papers  were  read  as  follows: 

J.  F.  Mitchell — "How  to  Build  Up  and  Maintain  a  News- 
paper Circulation;" 

W.  A.  Adair— "The  Influence  of  Patent  Outsides  on  the 
Weekly  Press;" 

John   M.    Connor — "Newspaper   Financiering." 

The  following  offered  by  William  Bennett  of  the  Trinity 
Watchman  was  adopted: 

"Inasmuch  as  a  majority  of  the  Texas  newspapers  ad- 
vertise more  or  less  for  foreign  medicine  and  other  com- 
panies, and  as  much  of  this  advertising  matter  consists  of 
stereotype  fixed  upon  wooden  bases,  and  as  the  said  bases 

141 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

become  swollen  and  unfit  for  any  use  whenever  they  come  in 
contact  with  water,  thereby  causing  the  publisher  much  trou- 
ble and  annoyance,  the  undersigned  respectfully  makes  the 
motion  that  the  press  of  Texas  in  convention  assembled  re- 
solve to  use  its  influence  in  discouraging  the  use  of  this  mat- 
ter and  encourage  as  far  as  possible  the  making  of  all  for- 
eign advertisements  on  metal  bases." 

L.  D.  Lillard  of  the  Fairfield  Recorder  offered  the  fol- 
lowing which,  after  lively  discussion,  carried  by  the  required 
two-thirds  vote: 

"That  Article  III.  of  the  Constitution  be  amended  so  as 
to  read : 

"All  bona  fide  proprietors  or  editors  of  newspapers  or 
periodicals  published  in  Texas  not  less  frequently  than  once 
a  month,  and  which  have  been  in  existence  not  less  than 
three  months,  shall  be  entitled  to  membership  in  the  Asso- 
ciation ;  provided  said  applicant  has  been  connected  with 
said  publication,  either  as  editor  or  proprietor,  for  a  period 
of  not  less  than  three  months;  provided,  further,  that  this 
article  shall  not  be  so  construed  as  to  debar  professional 
newspaper  men  who  are  members  of  this  Association,  but 
temporarily  out  of  business  or  employment  and  now  engaged 
in  other  business." 

W.  D.  Cox  of  the  Bryan  Pilot  offered  the  following 
which,  along  with  the  motion  to  reconsider,  was  declared 
lost: 

"Be  it  resolved,  That  section  6  of  the  by-laws  be  amend- 
ed so  as  to  read : 

"The  secretary  shall  notify  all  members  of  their  arrears 
and  if,  after  notification  in  writing,  payment  is  not  made 
within  ninety  days  such  member  shall  be  stricken  from  the 
roll  and  not  entitled  to  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  Asso- 
ciation again  until  all  past  dues  and  a  fee  of  one  dollar  for 
re-instatement  of  said  member  shall  be  paid.  And  no  per- 
son shall  be  entitled  to  wear  a  badge  or  be  allowed  to  oc- 

142 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

cupy  a  seat  upon  the  Association  floor  who  has  not  pre- 
sented to  the  committee  on  membership  his  written  receipt 
from  the  secretary  for  the  past  year's  dues,  or  a  properly 
signed  application  for  membership  accompanied  by  the  re- 
quired fee;  provided,  this  shall  not  exclude  the  presence  from 
the  hall  of  regularly  elected  honorary  members,  or  the  Asso- 
ciation's guests  for  the  meeting." 

A.  C.  Scurlock,  L.  D.  Lillard  and  T.  B.  Johnson  were 
appointed  the  Committee  on  Printing.  The  secretary  re- 
ported $328  collected  from  fees  and  dues. 

W.  A.  Shaw  of  the  Texas  Farmer  read  a  paper,  pre- 
pared by  Frank  P.  Holland  of  the  Farm  and  Ranch,  which 
was  a  brief  digest  of  the  libel  law  then  prevailing.  Shaw 
declared  himself  opposed  to  any  change  in  the  law.  The 
other  side  of  the  question  was  championed  by  R.  M.  John- 
ston, E.  G.  Senter,  Frank  Doremus,  Charles  Culmore,  Charles 
A.  Edwards,  H.  A.  Ivey  and  John  H.  Copeland. 

S.  M.  Vernon  offered  the  following  which  failed  to  carry: 

"That  we,  the  members  of  the  Texas  Press  Association, 
mutually  agree  that  henceforth  we  will  control  every  inch 
of  advertising  in  our  respective  papers,  and  that  we  will  de- 
mand a  price  within  at  least  twenty  per  cent  of  our  regular 
rate  from  all  foreign  advertisers." 

President  Johnston  announced  that  arrangements  had 
been  made  for  an  excursion  to  the  Spring  Palace  at  Fort 
Worth ;  that  he  had  also  perfected  arrangements  for  an  ex- 
cursion to  New  Orleans,  Birmingham  (Alabama),  Atlanta 
(Georgia),  and  other  points  in  the  Southeast;  but  that,  ow- 
ing to  recent  heavy  rains  and  washouts,  the  railroad  people 
were  afraid  to  undertake  the  matter  and  that  the  excur- 
sion had  been  abandoned. 

The  following  offered  by  W.  E.  Foster  of  the  Canton 
Telephone  was  adopted: 

"Whereas,  The  present  clause  in  our  Constitution  re- 
quiring the  secretary  to  notify  members  in  writing  regarding 

143 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

the  payment  of  dues,  at  least  ninety  days  before  the  meet- 
ing of  our  Association,  to  make  them  subject  to  suspension, 
is  and  always  has  been  practically  a  dead  letter;  therefore, 
be  it 

"Resolved,  By  this  Association  that  all  dues  of  its  mem- 
bers are  payable  in  advance,  annually.  All  members  who 
fail  to  comply  with  this  requirement  and  are  two  years  in 
arrears,  after  sixty  days  previous  notice  by  the  secretary 
shall  be  suspended.  That  it  goes  into  effect  at  its  adoption 
as  a  constitutional  amendment." 

The  following  officers  were  elected : 
President — Juan  S.  Hart,  El  Paso  Times; 
First  Vice   President — J.   F.   Mitchell,   Greenville   Banner; 
Second  Vice  President — W.  L.  Malone,  Fort  Worth  Gazette; 
Third  Vice  President— N.  A.  Cravens,  Willis  Index; 
Secretary — John  M.  Connor,  Fort  Worth  Mail; 
Treasurer — T.    B.   Johnson,    San    Antonio    Light. 
Executive  Committee: 

First    District — R.    M.   Johnston,    Houston    Post; 
Second   District — W.    B.   Page,   Crockett   Courier; 
Third   District— E.   W.   Harris,   Greenville    Herald; 
Fourth  District — J.  T.  Robinson,   Daingerfield   News; 
Fifth  District— A.  G.  Stuart,  Rockwall  News; 
Sixth   District— F.   B.    Baillio,   Alvarado   Bulletin; 
Seventh    District — O.    Paget,    Galveston    Printer; 
Eighth  District — C.   F.   Lehmann,   Hallettsville   Herald; 
Ninth    District— G.    P.    Miller,    Corsicana    Observer; 
Tenth  District — J.  H.  Copeland,  San  Antonio  Tribune; 
Eleventh  District— W.   E.  Gilliland,   Baird  Star. 
Corsicana  was  chosen  over  Fort  Worth  as  the  next  place 
of  meeting.     L.  D.  Lillard,  A.  C.  Scurlock  and  G.  P.  Miller 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  select  an  orator  and  a  poetess 
for  the  next  annual  convention. 


1-11 


Twelfth  Annual  Convention— 1891 


THE  twelfth  annual  convention  convened  in  the  City  Hall 
in  the  city  of  Corsicana  on  May  12,  1891,  and  was  called 
to  order  by  President  Juan  S.  Hart  of  the  El  Paso  Times. 
The  invocation  was  by  Rev.  Jerry  Ward,  pastor  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church.  Mayor  J.  F.  Stout  then  introduced 
Hon.  Roger  Q.  Mills  who  had  been  selected  by  the  citi- 
zens of  Corsicana  to  deliver  the  address  of  welcome.  Re- 
sponse to  the  address  of  welcome  was  by  President  Juan 
S.  Hart. 

On  call  of  the  roll  the  following  members  responded: 

W.  A.  Adair,  Marshall  Messenger;  William  Bennett,  Killeen  Herald;  T.  E. 
Boren,  Panola  Watchman ;  H.  D.  Cadwell,  Gainesville  Signal ;  J.  H.  Copeland, 
San  Antonio  Tribune ;  John  H.  Cullom,  Garland  News ;  Charles  A.  Edwards,  re- 
tired;  C.  E.  Gilbert,  Dallas  Times-Herald;  R.  W.  Haltom,  Nacogdoches  Chronicle; 
John  Hoeny,  J<r.,  Abilene  Reporter;  R.  M.  Johnston,  Houston  Post;  T.  B.  John- 
son, San  Antonio  Light;  A.  M.  Kennedy,  Mexia  Democrat;  H.  W.  Manson, 

Rockwall     Success ;     G.     P.     Miller,     Corsicana    ;     J.     F.     Mitchell,     Greenville 

Banner;  J.  P.  Nail,  Gatesville  Star;  E.  E.  Overall,  Jefferson  Iron  News  r  J.  C. 
Reubell,  Whitewright  Plow  and  Hammer ;  Fred  B.  Robinson,  Huntsville  Item ; 
G.  W.  Rose,  Cisco  Round-Up ;  W.  A.  Shaw,  Texas  Farmer,  Dallas ;  A.  G.  Stuart, 
Rockwall  News;  Alex  Wynne,  Beaumont  Enterprise;  Geo.  M.  Martin,  Pleasanton 
Monitor;  S.  M.  Ca/rleton,  Ennis  Review;  J.  J.  Haggerty,  Bellville  Standard;  Mrs. 
Eula  Nail,  Gatesville  Star;  J.  T.  Stark,  Orange  Tribune;  W.  B.  Page,  Crockett 
Courier;  A.  B.  Norton,  Dallas  Intelligencer;  F.  B.  Baillio,  Alvarado  Bulletin;  Wm. 
C.  Blakeslee,  Hallettsville  New  Era;  O.  W.  Bradley,  Harrold  Telephone;  John  M. 
Connor,  Waco  Day;  M.  J.  Cox,  Merkel  Mail;  J.  W.  Dale,  Springtown  News- 
dealer; F.  H.  Gaines,  Paris  News;  W.  E.  Gilliland,  Baird  Star;  Juan  S.  Hart, 
El  Paso  Times;  F.  P.  Holland,  Dallas  Farm  and  Ranch;  R.  C.  Johnson,  Galveston 
Opera  Glass;  J.  O.  Jones,  Mexia  Ledger;  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald; 
T.  J.  Middleton,  Waxahachie  Mirror;  F.  M.  McCaleb,  Carrizo  Springs  Javelin; 
B.  C.  Murray,  Denison  Gazetteer;  W.  H.  Neel,  Dublin  Telephone;  P.  H.  Pardue, 
Waxahachie  Democrat;  J.  T.  Robinson,  Daingerfield  News;  D.  P.  Rock,  Woodville 
Eureka;  Miss  V.  G.  Rock,  Woodwille  Eureka;  J.  C.  Son,  Palo  Pinto  Star;  T.  M. 
Woods,  Rockdale  Democrat;  H.  P.  Jones,  Milford  Courier;  W.  C.  Easterling,  Del 
Rio  Record;  H.  J.  Strickfaden,  Henrietta  Chieftain;  A.  C.  Valdez,  San  Antonio 
El  Heraldo;  Mrs.  C.  Bryarly,  Center  Star-News;  W.  E.  Foster,  Canton  Telephone; 
N.  A.  Cravens,  Willis  Index. 

The    following   standing   committees    were   appointed : 
Membership— W.  A.  Adair,  C.  A.  Edwards,  J.  W.  Dale, 
J.  H.  Cullom,  F.  H.  Gaines; 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Revision  of  Roll— W.  A.  Shaw,  John  Hoeny,  Jr.,  H.  W. 
Manson ; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — A.  M.  Kennedy,  A.  G. 
Stuart,  P.  H.  Pardue; 

Resolutions— J.  F.  Mitchell,  T.  B.  Johnson,  R.  C.  John- 
son; 

Memorials— G.  P.  Miller,  J.  H.  Copeland,  W.  E.  Gilliland. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership,  the  vote 
being  by  ballot,  objection  having  been  made  to  a  suspension 
of  the  rules  that  they  might  be  declared  elected  by  viva  voce 
vote  on  the  recommendation  of  the  committee  on  member- 
ship, and  also  that  the  rules  be  suspended  and  the  secretary 
be  instructed  to  cast  the  vote  of  the  Association: 

James  A.  Greer,  Thornton  Herald;  A.  W.  Buchanan,  Bryan  Pilot;  G.  A.  Me- 
Naughton,  Hays  County  Times ;  Charles  F.  Yeager,  Waxahachie  Enterprise ;  J.  E. 
McFarland,  Jacksonville  Banner;  L,ee  Satterwhite,  Wortham  Democrat;  S.  H.  Mc- 
Bride,  Aransas  Harbor  Herald ;  Perry  Hawkins,  Taylor  Journal ;  W.  A.  Fields, 
Hillsboro  Reflector;  W.  F.  Colquitt,  Corsicana  Democrat;  D.  C.  Colp,  Iowa 
Park  Texan;  G.  W.  Baker,  Hubbard  City  News;  W.  B.  Newton,  Vernon  Texan; 
G.  F.  Pierson,  Clay  County  Chieftain;  Mrs.  J.  Von  Haxthausen,  Texas  Zeitung; 
H.  W.  Brown,  Glen  Rose  Herald;  F.  B.  Pierce,  San  Angelo  Enterprise;  L.  C. 
Clifton,  Farmersville  Times;  H.  E.  Wilson,  Taylor  Texan. 

The   executive   committee   reported : 

1.  "*  *  *  that    we    have    had    lithographed    elegant    certi- 
ficates   for   membership,    which    will   be   issued   to    members 
upon   application   to   the   secretary. 

2.  "Also   that   we   have   arranged   an   excursion   for   the 
members   of   the   Association   upon   the   adjournment   of   the 
present  convention  as  follows :     Leaving  Corsicana  over  the 
St.    L.   A.   &  T.   Ry.,    Friday  morning,    May    16,   to   Waco; 
thence,  over  the   M.   K.   &  T.   Ry.,   to  Taylor;  thence,   over 
the   I.   &   G.   N.   Ry.,  to   San.  Antonio,   arriving  in   that   city 
Friday  evening.     The  excursionists  will  remain  in   San   An- 
tonio   Saturday   at   the    invitation    of   the    citizens   and    then 
proceed  over  the  S.  A.  &  A.  P.  Ry.  to  Rockport,  returning 
at  the  option  of  those  participating  in  the  trip.     From  Rock- 
port  the  party  will  make  an  excursion  of  one  day  to  Aransas 
Harbor  by  special  invitation  of  Governor  T.  B.  Wheeler. 

146 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

3.  "Your  committee  would  report  that  it  requested  the 
entertainment  committee  of  the  citizens  of  Corsicana  to  make 
no  provisions  to  liquidate  the  hotel  bills  of  members  attend- 
ing the  annual  convention,  and  would  recommend  that  in 
future  the  same  policy  be  pursued,  to  preserve  the  dignity 
of  the  profession  and  thus  place  us  on  the  same  footing  with 
other  State  organizations. 

4  and  5.  "Your  committee  would  further  recommend 
that  all  past  presidents  be  made  life  members  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. That  the  secretary  and  vice-presidents  be  made  ex- 
officio  members  of  the  executive  committee. 

6.  "That    the    incoming    president    be    required    to    an- 
nounce his  appointment  of  delegates  to  the  National  Editorial 
Association  before  the  final  adjournment  of  the  annual  con- 
vention so  that  due  time  may  be  had  to  secure  them  trans- 
portation to  the  place  of  meeting. 

7.  "Your  committee  further  recommends  instead  of  the 
present  cumbersome   method   of  securing  transportation   for 
delegates  to  the  place  of  holding  the  convention,  which  re- 
quires a  great  amount  of  labor  from  the  secretary,   that  a 
transportation    committee    be    created    consisting    of    the    presi- 
dent and  secretary,  who  shall  arrange  with  the  general  pas- 
senger agents  of  the  various  roads  of  Texas  for  the  trans- 
portation of  delegates,  notifying  the  members  of  the  terms 
of  such  arrangement ;  and  the  secretary  shall  file  with  each 
general    passenger    agent    a    roll    of    the    Association ;    after 
which,  each  member  shall  make  his  own  application  direct 
to  the  general  passenger  agents." 

It  was  moved  by  W.  C.  Blakeslee  that  so  much  of  the 
report  as  related  to  programme  be  adopted.  This  carried 
and  the  consideration  of  the  balance  of  the  report  was  made 
the  special  order  for  a  later  hour.  When  the  report  was 
taken  up,  it  was  decided  to  act  upon  it  by  sections.  Sections 
one  and  two  were  adopted  without  discussion.  Section  three 
(relating  to  hotel  bills)  provoked  much  discussion.  After 

147 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

several  amendments  had  been  made,  and  lost,  F.  B.  Baillio 
of  the  Alvarado  Bulletin  moved  the  adoption  of  the  substi- 
tute offered  by  John  H.  Cullom  of  the  Garland  News  "that 
it  to  be  adopted  in-so-far  as  relating  to  this  convention,  but 
to  have  no  binding  force  on  future  conventions."  A.  M. 
Kennedy  moved  the  previous  question  and  the  Cullom  sub- 
stitute was  defeated— 28  to  17.  John  H.  Copeland  of  the 
San  Antonio  Tribune  moved  to  table  section  three,  which 
was  done — 36  to  26.  The  motion  of  R.  M.  Johnston  to  re- 
consider was  met  by  a  motion  of  John  W.  Dale  of  the  Spring- 
town  Newsdealer  to  lay  the  motion  to  reconsider  on  the  ta- 
ble, which  was  done — 34  to  17.  Sections  four,  five  and  six 
were  adopted.  Section  seven,  on  motion  of  John  H.  Cope- 
land,  was  laid  on  the  table. 

A  communication  was  received  from  President  W.  C. 
Connor  of  the  Texas  State  Fair  at  Dallas  thanking  the  edi- 
tors for  their  liberal  support  of  that  institution  in  the  past, 
soliciting  a  continuance  of  their  good  offices,  and  inviting 
them  to  attend  the  next  Fair — especially  on  Press  Day. 

Mention  should  have  been  made  in  the  records  of  the 
Eleventh  Annual  Convention,  held  in  the  city  of  Houston,  of 
the  movement  inaugurated  at  the  suggestion  of  Judge  A.  B. 
Norton  (on  the  return  of  the  Association  from  a  visit  to  the 
battle  field)  inviting  agitation  on  the  part  of  the  press  of 
Texas  to  have  the  State  purchase  the  battle-ground  of  San 
Jacinto  and  make  of  it  a  State  Park,  preserving  it  as  sacred 
soil — soil  that  had  been  baptized  and  dedicated  by  the  blood 
of  patriots  shed  in  defense  of  liberty.  After  a  statement  at 
this  convention  of  the  movement  and  its  purposes,  Judge  A. 
B.  Norton,  W.  A.  Fields,  R.  M.  Johnston,  A.  C.  Scurlock, 
J.  T.  Robinson  and  W.  B.  Page  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  memorialize  the  Legislature  on  that  subject. 

San  Antonio  was  elected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting 
over  Austin,  Waco,  Abilene  and  Dallas.  The  annual  poem 
by  Mrs.  Willa  Lloyd  Jackson  of  Dallas  was  read  by  A.  M. 

148 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Kennedy  of  the  Mexia  Democrat.     The  following  papers  ap- 
pear in  the  printed  proceedings :     "What  Rule  Should  Guide 
a  Publisher  in  Fixing  His  Advertising  Schedule?" — O.  Paget; 
"The  Best  Training  for  Newspaper  Men."— J.  P.  Bridges. 
The  following  officers  were  elected: 
President — J.  F.  Mitchell,  Greenville  Banner; 
First  Vice   President — J.   H.  Copeland,   San  Antonio  Tribune; 
Second  Vice   President — A.   C.   Scurlock,   Cleburne   Chronicle; 
Third  Vice  President— W.  A.  Fields,  Hillsboro  Reflector; 
Secretary — F.  B.  Robinson,  Huntsville  Item; 
Treasurer — T.  B.  Johnson,  San  Antonio  Light; 
Executive    Committee: 

First  District — D.  P.   Rock,  Woodville  New  Era; 
Second    District— W.    M.    Imboden,    Riisk    Herald; 
Third   District — W.  A.  Adair,   Marshall   Messenger; 
Fourth   District — F.    H.   Gaines,   Paris   News; 
Fifth   District — B.    C.    Murray,   Denison    Gazetteer; 
Sixth   District — J.   H.   Cullom,   Garland   News; 
Seventh   District — R.   C.  Johnson,   Galveston   Opera   Glass; 
Eighth    District — Henry   Reese,    Gonzales    Inquirer; 
Ninth  District — F.  B.  Whipkey,   Corsicana  Light; 
Tenth   District — C.  A.   Edwards,  Austin   Iconoclast; 
Eleventh^  District — John  Hoeny,  Jr.,  Abilene  Reporter. 
The    following   were   elected   to   the    National    Editorial 
Association  to  be  held  at  St.   Paul,  Minnesota  in  July: 

As  Ex-Officio  Delegates— A.  B.  Norton,  B.  C.  Murray, 
N.  A.  Cravens  (third  vice  president  of  the  National  Editorial 
Association),  J.  F.  Mitchell,  F.  B.  Robinson;  and,  as  Regular 
Delegates— J.  M.  Connor,  A.  G.  Stuart,  C.  F.  Lehmann,  F. 
B.  Baillio,  J.  H.  Copeland,  W.  B.  Page,  John  Hoeny,  Jr.,  F. 
P.  Holland,  F.  H.  Gaines,  J.  W.  Dale,  T.  P.  Maddox,  Charles 
A.  Edwards,  R.  C.  Johnson,  J.  L.  Watson,  J.  S.  Hart,  A.  M. 
Kennedy,  J.  C.  Son,  A.  C.  Valdez,  W.  A.  Shaw,  E.  W.  Harris. 
The  following  was  offered  by  A.  M.  Kennedy  of  the 
Mexia  Democrat  and  was  adopted  by  a  vote  of  25  to  15: 

"Be  it  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Association 
that  all  notices  of  properties  sold  under  execution,  or  of  the 
sale  of  estates  belonging  to  minors  should  be  published  in 

149 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

some  newspaper,  instead  of  being  'posted'  in  three  alleged 
'public  places  in  the  county.'  And  further,  that  we  recom- 
mend that  the  members  of  this  Association  agitate  and  dis- 
cuss the  question  in  their  respective  journals." 

The  executive  committee  was  instructed  to  purchase  a 
ballot  box  and  balls  and  also  a  gavel  for  the  use  of  the  presi- 
dent. Gold  headed- canes  were  presented  to  Retiring  President 
Johnston  and  Retiring  Secretary  John  M.  Connor.  Special 
thanks  were  extended  George  M.  Bailey,  special  reporter ; 
H.  M.  Pease,  special  artist ;  and  the  Dallas  News  for  the 
complete  and  extensive  reports  of  the  convention. 


150 


Thirteenth  Annual  Convention — 1892 


THE  thirteenth  annual  convention  of  the  Txeas  Press  As- 
sociation was  called  to  order  by  President  J.  F.  Mitchell 
on  the  19th  day  of  April,  1892,  in  Rische's  Opera  House  in 
the  city  of  San  Antonio.  Rev.  H.  S.  Thrall  of  San  Antonio 
invoked  Divine  blessing.  The  address  of  welcome  was  de- 
livered by  Colonel  H.  B.  Andrews  of  San  Antonio,  the  re- 
sponse being  made  on  behalf  of  the  Association  by  President 
Mitchell.  Former  President  J.  P.  Bridges  also  responded 
on  behalf  of  the  Association. 

On  call  of  the  roll  the  following  responded : 

W.  A.  Adair,  Marshall  Messenger;  D.  W.  Barnhill,  Uvalde  News;  Wm.  Ben- 
nett, Killeen  Herald;  W.  E.  Blythe ;  Mt.  Pleasant  News;  O.  W.  Bradley,  Arlington 
Herald ;  W.  H.  Brown,  Glen  Rose  Herald ;  Mrs.  C.  Bryarly,  Center  Champion- 
Press ;  Mrs.  L.  C.  Clifton,  Farmersville  Times;  J.  H.  Copeland,  San  Antonio 
Tribune;  W.  D.  Cox,  Bryan  Eagle;  Chas.  Culmore,  Houston  Reformer;  Chas.  A. 
Edwards,  Austin  Iconoclast;  W.  E.  Gilliland,  Baird  Star;  H.  V.  Hamilton,  Jr., 
Tyler  Democrat  and  Reporter;  Mrs.  I.  Von  Haxthausen,  Houston  Zeitung ;  R.  M. 
Johnston,  Houston  Post;  J.  O.  Jones,  Mexia  Ledger;  I.  V.  Jolly,  Decatur  Church 
and  Home;  D.  C.  Kolp,  Iowa  Park  Texan;  T.  P.  Maddox,  Navasota  Tablet;  Geo. 
M.  Martin,  Pleasanton  Monitor ;  J.  F.  Mitchell,  Greenville  Banner ;  John  E>  Mc- 
Farland,  Jacksonville  Banner;  F.  M.  McCaleb,  Carrizo  Springs  Javelin;  B.  C. 
Murray,  Denison  Gazetteer;  A.  B.  Norton,  Dallas  Intelligencer;  P.  H.  Pardue, 
Waxahachie  Democrat ;  J.  G.  Rankin,  Rrenham  Banner ;  J.  C.  Reubell,  White- 
wright  Plow  and  Hammer ;  Fred  B.  Robinson,  Huntsville  Item ;  Miss  V.  G.  Rock, 
Woodville  Eureka ;  G.  W.  Rose,  Cisco  Round-Up ;  W.  A.  Shaw,  Texas  Farmer, 
Dallas;  A.  C.  Valdez,  San  Antonio  El  Heraldo ;  Mrs.  M.  R.  Walton,  Ft.  Worth 
Gazette;  James  Williams,  Denton  Chronicle;  F.  B.  Whipkey,  West  Times;  Chas. 
F.  Yeager,  Waxahachie  Enterprise ;  W.  D.  Adams,  Forney  Tribune ;  D.  L.  Beach, 
Gonzales  Inquirer;  W;m.  C.  Blakeslee,  Hallettsville  New  Era;  T.  E.  Boren,  Panola 
Watchman ;  J.  P.  Bridges,  Luling  Signal ;  J.  T.  Browning,  Cameron  Press ;  A.  W. 
Buchanan,  Bryan  Pilot ;  H.  D.  Cadwell,  Gainesville  Signal ;  Mrs.  Laura  E.  Foute, 
Gulf  Messenger,  San  Antonio ;  John  H.  Cullom,  Garland  News ;  Mrs.  Fannie  Cul- 
more, Houston  Reformer ;  S.  P.  Evans,  Van  Alstyne  News ;  R.  W.  Haltom,  Nacog- 
doches  Chronicle;  Perry  Hawkins,  Taylor  Journal;  F.  P.  Holland,  Texas  Farm 
and  Ranch;  T.  B.  Johnson,  San  Antonio  Light;  H.  P.  Jones,  Milford  Courier;  Sam 
T.  Jones,  Uvalde  News;  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald;  H.  W.  Manson, 
Rockwall  Success ;  T.  J.  Middleton,  Waxahachie  Mirror ;  S.  H.  McBride,  Aransas 
Harbor  Herald;  Geo.  A.  McNaughton,  Hays  County  Times;  D.  J.  Moffitt,  Pilot 
Point  Post-Mirror;  W.  H.  Neel,  Central  Texas  Journal,  Stephenville ;  E.  E. 
Overall,  Texas  Iron  News  and  Industrial  Record;  G.  F.  Pierson,  Clay  County 
Chieftain;  Henry  Reese,  Jr.,  Gonzales  Inquirer;  Mark  Riley,  Brackett  News;  L.  D. 

151 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Rock,  Woodville  Eureka;  Hamilton  Stuart,  Galveston  News;  A.  C.  Scurlock,  Cle- 
burne  Chronicle;  J.  C.  Son,  Palo  Pinto  Star;  F.  A.  Venney,  Temple  Sun;  H.  E. 
Wilson,  Taylor  Texan ;  Alex  Wynne,  Beaumont  Enterprise. 

Committees : 

Revision  of  Roll— J.  H.  Cullom,  W.  D.  Cox,  A.  C.  Scur- 
lock, R.  W.  Haltom,  O.  W.  Bradley. 

Finance— T.  E.  Boren,  C.  A.  Kessler,  S.  M.  Carleton, 
C.  Culmore,  Perry  Hawkins; 

Membership— J.  P.  Bridges,  W.  Bennett,  W.  E.  Gilliland, 
G.  W.  Jenks,  H.  P.  Jones; 

Constitution— B.  C.  Murray,  W.  E.  Blythe,  T.  B.  John- 
son, J.  G.  Rankin,  A.  C.  Valdez. 

The  executive  committee  reported  that  acting  under  sec- 
tion 8  of  the  by-laws  it  had  expelled  a  member  from  the 
Association  for  having  disposed  of  transportation  furnished 
him  by  the  railroad  as  a  delegate  to  the  National  Editorial 
Association.  The  executive  committee  further  reported  that 
an  excursion  to  Corpus  Christi  and  Rockport  at  the  close 
of  the  convention  had  been  arranged  by  the  citizens  of  San 
Antonio,  through  the  liberality  of  the  San  Antonio  and 
Aransas  Pass  Railway. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership: 

A.  W.  Riley,  Wills  Point  Chronicle;  J.  M.  Kennedy,  Marlin  Democrat;  Will 
H.  Mayes,  Brownwood  Bulletin;  A.  S.  Crisp,  Cuero  Star;  J.  D.  Slawson,  Killeen 
Herald ;  J.  E.  Vernor,  Goldthwaite  Mountaineer ;  E.  S.  Peters,  Calvert  Citizen ; 
F.  C.  Thompson,  McKinney  Democrat ;  M.  M.  McLean,  Williamson  County  Sun ; 
Thos.  W.  Perkins,  Wylie  Rustler;  P.  O.  Wilson,  Taylor  Texan;  J.  V.  Watkins, 
Western  Argus ;  N.  G.  Watts,  Omaha  Siftings ;  B.  M.  Baker,  Colorado  Citizen ; 
J.  G.  Murphy,  San  Angelo  Standard;  W.  O.  Peery,  Benjamin  Reporter;  L.  A. 
Obregon,  El  Cronista  Mexicana ;  Wm.  Foster,  Wise  County  Messenger;  G.  W. 
Coleman,  Henrietta  Independent ;  J.  D.  Shaw,  Waco  Independent  Pulpit ;  R.  L. 
Livingston,  Piano  Star ;  Frank  M.  Sewell,  Winnsboro  Messenger ;  F.  A.  Lockhart, 
Pittsburg  Gazette ;  N.  P.  Houx,  Hempstead  News ;  M.rs.  J.  W.  Williamson,  Co- 
lumbia Journal,  Ft.  Worth ;  Chas.  M.  Barnes,  San  Antonio  Democrat ;  R.  W.  Cole- 
man, San  Antonio  Truth;  Frank  Vernon,  Cisco  Round-Up;  Mrs.  Julia  Truitt 
Bishop,  Austin  Statesman ;  S.  F.  Perry,  Florence  Reporter ;  George  Robinson,  Bel- 
ton  Journal ;  R.  Wilson,  Lockhart  Register ;  Edgar  Schramm,  Texas  Staats  Zei- 
tung;  Thos.  M.  McDonnell.  Sunset  Signal;  J.  S.  Penn,  Jr..  Laredo  Times;  W 
H.  Orr,  Itasca  Mail;  T.  C.  Chambers,  Liberty  Vindicator;  S.  A.  Foote,  Whartor 
Spectator;  Frank  P.  Brady,  Galveston  News. 

Invitations  were  accepted  to  visit  Corpus  Christi,  Rock- 
port  and  Velasco.  The  management  of  the  Houston  Post 

152 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

invited  the  Association  to  visit  the  Post  building  and  in- 
spect their  new  type-setting  machinery  and  partake  of  their 
hospitality,  while  in  Houston  enroute  home  from  Velasco. 

Frank  P.  Holland  delivered  the  annual  oration,  his  sub- 
ject being:  "Practical  Business  Methods  in  the  Advertising 
Department."  He  was  followed  by  A.  C.  Scurlock  of  the 
Cleburne  Chronicle  who  made  an  address  on  the  subject: 
" Advertising  in  the  Country  Weekly."  These  subjects  were 
discussed  by  J.  P.  Bridges  of  the  Luling  Signal,  T.  J.  Mid- 
dleton  of  the  Waxahachie  Mirror,  J.  H.  Cullom  of  the  Gar- 
land News  and  W.  H.  Orr  of  the  Itasca  Mail.  Mrs.  R.  S. 
Bryarly  also  spoke  to  the  subject. 

T.  J.  Middleton  of  the  Waxahachie  Mirror  offered  the 
following,  which  was  referred  to  the  committee  on  resolu- 
tions : 

"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association  earnestly 
recommends  to  those  of  its  members  using  the  ready  print 
plan  to  reject  all  advertisements,  except  such  as  they  them- 
selves furnish,  giving  this  plan  a  trial  for  at  least  one  year." 

S.  M.  Vernon  being  absent,  his  paper,  "The  Country 
Weekly,"  was  read  by  John  H.  Cullom.  Mrs.  Julia  Truitt 
Bishop  presented  a  paper  on  "The  General  Tone  of  the 
Country  Weekly."  P.  H.  Pardue  delivered  an  address  upon 
the  subject,  "Country  Weekly."  Mrs.  R.  S.  Bryarly  read  a 
paper  on  the  subject,  "The  Model  Country  Weekly."  Wil- 
liam Ferguson  of  the  San  Antonio  Democrat  talked  upon 
"Newspaper  Controversies  and  Personal  Journalism."  He 
was  followed  by  R.  M.  Johnston  who  discussed  Mr.  Fer- 
guson's theme.  A  paper  was  read  by  Sam  T.  Jones  of  the 
Uvalde  Herald  on  the  same  subject. 

Secretary  Fred  B.  Robinson  stated  in  his  report  that 
more  interest  had  been  manifested  in  the  Association  during 
the  past  year,  and  more  new  members  enrolled  at  this  meet- 
ing, than  at  any  preceding  annual  convention. 

J.   P.   Bridges  of  the   Luling  Signal  offered   this   resolu- 

153 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

tion  which  was  unanimously  adopted :  "That  the  members 
of  the  Texas  Press  Association,  appreciating  the  misfor- 
tunes of  those  confined  in  the  Southwestern  Insane  Asylum 
at  San  Antonio,  agree  to  mail,  regularly,  copies  of  their 
papers  to  the  reading  room  of  that  institution,  and  to  aid 
through  their  papers  in  securing  donations  for  the  Asylum 
library." 

A  resolution  by  W.  D.  Cox  of  the  Bryan  Eagle  extend- 
ing sympathy  to  the  San  Antonio  Democrat  which  had  twice 
suffered  complete  destruction  of  its  plant  by  fire,  and  com- 
mending the  "gigantic  efforts  they  have  made  to  maintain 
a  clear  and  bright  paper  and  the  admirable  manner  in  which 
they  have  succeeded,"  was  unanimously  adopted. 

Fifty  dollars  was  voted  for  the  benefit  of  the  Printers' 
Home  at  Colorado  Springs. 

The  following  appeal  for  aid  was  read  and  an  appro- 
priation of  $50  was  made  in  answer  thereto : 

"To  the  People  of  Texas." 

"For  three  years  the  counties  of  Starr,  Hidalgo,  and  por- 
tions of  Zapata  and  Duval  have  been  subjected  to  a  drouth 
of  such  severity  as  to  render  the  production  of  the  necessaries 
of  life  impossible. 

"The  season  for  planting  is  passed  and  we  are  entering 
upon  the  fourth  year  of  distress  with  no  hope  of  relief  unless 
rain  can  be  obtained  in  the  month  of  June,  thus  securing  a 
light  fall  crop. 

"The  loss  of  stock,  the  depreciation  in  values  of  all  kinds 
of  property,  the  inability  of  ranchmen  to  procure  money  for 
payment  of  taxes,  a  depleted  county  treasury,  the  prevalence 
of  smallpox  through  a  section  extending  from  San  Ignacio 
in  Zapata  county  to  Rio  Grande  City  in  Starr  county,  and 
the  baleful  effects  of  the  Garza  revolution,  all  combined,  have 
produced  a  destitution  hitherto  unknown.  Some  of  the  peo- 
ple are  using  the  fresh  flesh  of  cattle  that  have  died  from 

154 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

disease  or  starvation  .and  others  are  drying  the  meat  for  fu- 
ture use. 

"The  famine  district  contains  a  population  estimated  at 
fifteen  or  twenty  thousand  persons;  it  is  safe  to  say  that 
one-fifth  of  this  number  require  assistance,  while  the  re- 
sources of  the  balance  of  the  population  are  only  adequate 
to  maintain  themselves  and  families. 

"In  vain  we  have  appealed  to  the  State  for  aid,  and  we 
now  appeal  to  the  charitable  for  contributions  of  corn,  sup- 
plies and  such  other  aid  as  they  feel  disposed  to  give. 

"We  respectfully  ask  that  the  press  throughout  the 
State  give  at  least  one  insertion  of  this  appeal." 

The  following  offered  by  W.  A.  Shaw  of  the  Texas 
Farmer  was  adopted : 

"Whereas,  The  railroads  centering  in  Texas,  and  the 
Missouri,  Kansas  &  Texas  Railway  in  particular,  have  done 
and  are  doing  much  towards  attracting  immigration  and 
capital  to  our  State,  by  scattering  broadcast  over  the  coun- 
try valuable  descriptive  and  statistical  literature,  prepared 
with  much  care  and  published  and  circulated  at  great  cost 
to  said  railroads ;  therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  the  press  of  Texas  endorse  the  course 
of  said  roads  in  the  prosecution  of  this  work,  and  heartily 
co-operate  with  them  to  the  end  that  the  great  natural  re- 
sources of  Texas  may  be  developed  and  utilized." 

The  annual  poem,  dedicated  to  San  Antonio,  the  original 
composition  of  the  talented  Miss  Virginia  Gordon  Rock  of 
the  Woodville  Eureka,  was  received  with  much  applause. 
T.  J.  Middleton  of  the  Waxahachie  Mirror  read  a  paper  on 
"The  Public  and  the  Press." 

The  following  officers  were  elected : 

President — John   H.   Copeland,   San   Antonio   News; 

First  Vice  President — A.  C.  Scurlock,  Cleburne  Chronicle; 

Second  Vice  President — Frank  P.  Holland,  Farm  and  Ranch, 
Dallas; 

Third  Vice  President — W.  A.  Adair,  Marshall  Messenger; 

155 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Secretary — Fred    B.    Robinson,    Huntsville    Item; 
Treasurer — Tom    B.   Johnson,    San    Antonio   Light. 
Executive    Committee: 

First  District — R.   M.  Johnston,  Houston  Post; 
Second    District — Alex   Wynne,    Beaumont    Enterprise; 
Third  District — J.  F.  Mitchell,  Greenville  Banner; 
Fourth   District — F.   H.   Gaines,   Paris   News; 
Fifth   District — B.    C.   Murray,   Denison   Gazetteer; 
Sixth   District— W.  A.   Shaw,  Texas   Farmer,   Dallas; 
Seventh   District — J.   D.   Shaw,   Independent   Pulpit,   Waco; 
Eighth   District — J.   C.  Son,   Palo  Pinto  Star; 
Ninth  District — Mrs.  Julia  Truitt  Bishop,  Home  Corner,  Aus- 
tin; 

Tenth   District — Hamilton    Stuart,    Galveston    News; 
Eleventh    District — Sam   T.   Jones,   Uvalde    Herald; 
Twelfth  District — R.  W.  Coleman,   San  Antonio  Truth; 
Thirteenth  District^Mrs.  M.  R.  Walton,  Ft.  Worth  Gazette. 
A  gold  headed  cane  was  presented  to  Retiring  President 
Mitchell.     Strong  resolutions  in  regard  to  the  killing  of  W. 
C.  Bowen,  editor  of  the  Cotulla  Ledger,  and  denouncing  "the 
strange  verdict  of  an  American  jury"  were  adopted.     Dallas 
was   elected   as   the   next   place   of   meeting  over   Llano   and 
Galveston,   Houston  having  been  withdrawn. 

The  following  were  appointed  delegates  to  the  National 
Editorial  Association  to  be  held  at  San  Francisco,  California : 
Mrs.  L.  E.  Foute,  A.  B.  Norton,  F.  Brady,  J.  L.  Watson, 
Alex  Wynne,  J.  C.  Reubell,  J.  D.  Slawson,  G.  W.  Rose,  W. 
H.  Neel,  A.  C.  Valdez,  G.  M.  Martin,  F.  M.  McCaleb,  W.  D. 
Cox,  J.  H.  Copeland,  B.  C.  Murray,  N.  A.  Cravens,  T.  B. 
Johnson,  F.  P.  Holland,  E.  E.  Overall,  G.  M.  Lassater,  Mrs. 
M.  R.  Walton,  R.  W.  Coleman,  F.  B.  Robinson. 

Excursions  were  made  to  Rockport,  Aransas  Pass  and 
Velasco.  Gold  headed  canes  were  presented  to  W.  A.  Bowen 
and  C.  A.  Edwards  by  the  excursionists. 


156 


Fourteenth  Annual  Convention — 1893 


THE   fourteenth  annual  convention  was  held   in   the  city  of 
Dallas  beginning  May  9,   1893.     It  was  called  to  order 
in  the  City  Hall  by  President  Copeland  of  the  San  Antonio 
Chronicle.    The  address  of  welcome  was  by  Dr.  A.  M.  Coch- 
ran,  acting  for  Mayor  Connor  who  was  unable  to  be  present. 
President  Copeland  responded  to  the  address  of  welcome. 
At  roll  call  the  following  responded : 

W.  A.  Adair,  Marshall  Messenger ;  F.  B.  Baillio,  Cleburne  Review ;  D.  L. 
Beach,  Gonzales  Inquirer ;  Wm.  C.  Blakeslee,  Hallettsville  New  Era ;  Mrs.  C. 
Bryarly,  Center  Champion  Press;  H.  D.  Cadwell,  Gainesville  Signal;  Mrs.  L.  C. 
Clifton,  Farmersville  Times ;  J.  H.  Copeland,  San  Antonio  Chronicle ;  A.  S.  Crisp, 
Cuero  Star;  W.  D.  Cox,  Bryan  Eagle;  Chas.  Culmore,  Houston  Daily  Press;  J.  W. 
Dale,  Iowa  Park  Texan ;  W.  W.  Dexter,  Ft.  Worth  Trade  Review ;  O.  F.  Dorn- 
blaser,  Grandview  Sentinel ;  Chas.  A.  Edwards,  Velasco  Times ;  W/m.  Foster,  Decatur 
Messenger;  F.  H.  Gaines,  Paris  News;  W.  E.  Gilliland,  Baird  Star;  Perry  Haw- 
kins, Taylor  Journal ;  R.  M.  Johnston,  Houston  Post ;  T.  B.  Johnson,  San  Antonio 
Light;  D.  C.  Kolp,  Iowa  Park  Center;  L.  D.  Lillard,  Fairfield  Recorder;  W.  L. 
Malone,  Fort  Worth  Gazette ;  Geo.  M.  Martin,  Pleasanton  Monitor ;  T.  W.  Mc- 
Connell,  Sunset  Signal ;  Geo.  A.  McNaughton,  Hayes  County  Times ;  J.  G.  Murphy, 
San  Angelo  Standard;  A.  B.  Norton,  Dallas  Intelligencer;  E.  E.  Overall,  Stock- 
man and  Farmer,  San  Antonio ;  O.  Paget,  Merchants  and  Manufacturers'  Journal, 
Dallas;  P.  H.  Pardue,  Waxahachie  Democrat;  E.  S.  Peters,  Calvert  Citizen-Demo- 
crat; Mark  Riley,  Brackett  News;  J.  C.  Reubell,  Wolfe  City  Sun;  J.  D.  Shaw, 
Waco  Independent  Pulpit ;  W.  A.  Shaw,  Texas  Farmer,  Dallas ;  F.  C.  Thompson, 
McKinney  Democrat;  S.  M.  Vernon,  Comanche  Chief;  N.  G.  Watts,  Omaha  Sift- 
ings  ;  R.  Wilson,  Lockhart  Register,  Alex  Wynne,  Beaumont  Enterprise ;  W.  D. 
Adams,  Forney  Tribune;  D.  W.  Barnhill,  Uvalde  News;  Mrs.  Julia  Truitt  Bishop, 
Austin  Home  Corner;  O.  W.  Bradley,  Arlington  Herald;  J.  B.  Cranfill,  Baptist 
Standard,  Waco;  S.  M.  Carleton,  Ennis  Review;  G.  W.  Coleman,  Henrietta  Inde- 
pendent; N.  A.  Cravens,  Willis  Index;  M.  J.  Cox,  Midland  Gazette;  J.  H.  Cullom, 
Garland  News ;  Mrs.  Fannie  Culmore,  Houston  Daily  Press ;  J.  H.  Davis,  Sulphur 
Springs  Alliance  Vindicator;  F.  Doremus,  Dallas  News;  W.  C.  Easterling,  Del 
Rio  Record;  S.  P.  Evans,  Van  Alstyne  News;  W.  E.  Foster,  Canton  Telephone; 
C.  E.  Gilbert,  Dallas  Times-Herald;  E.  W.  Harris,  Greenville  Herald;  F.  P.  Hol- 
land, Farm  and  Ranch;  R.  C.  Johnson,  Galveston  Opera  Glass;  J.  O.  Jones, 
Mexia  Ledger;  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald;  F.  A.  Lockhart,  Pittsburg 
Gazette;  H.  W.  Manson,  Rockwall  Success;  T.  J.  Middleton,  Waxahachie  Mirror; 
J.  E.  McFarland,  Jacksonville  Banner ;  B.  C.  Murray,  Denison  Gazetteer ;  W.  H. 
Neel,  Dublin  Leader;  W.  H.  Orr,  Itasca  Mail;  J.  A.  Padon,  Longview  Clarion; 
J.  S.  Penn,  Laredo  Times;  T.  W.  Perkins,  WTylie  Rustler;  G.  F.  Pierson,  Henrietta 
Chieftain ;  R.  A.  Musgrove,  Sweetwater  Review ;  Fred  B.  Robinson,  Huntsville 
Item ;  A.  C.  Scurlock,  Cleburne  Chronicle ;  H.  J.  Strickfaden,  Henrietta  Herald ; 
A.  C.  Valdez,  San  Antonio  El  Heraldo ;  Mrs.  M.  R.  Walton,  Fort  Worth  Gazette; 

157 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

H.   E.    Wilson,  Taylor  Texan;   James   Wlilliams,   Denton   Chronicle;   Chas.    F.    Yeager, 
Waxahachie    Enterprise. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed : 

Resolutions—].  H.  Davis,  H.  P.  Jones,  D.  L.  Beach,  Alex 
Wynne,  E.  W.  Harris; 

Revision  of  Roll— W.  A.  Adair,  Mrs.  C.  Bryarly,  R.  Wil- 
son, R.  A.  Musgrove,  G.  A.  McNaughton,  F.  M.  McCaleb ; 

Membership — W.  A.  Shaw,  Mark  Riley,  H.  W.  Manson, 
C.  F.  Lehmann,  Perry  Hawkins ; 

Constitution— P.  H.  Pardue,  T.  W.  Perkins,  J.  B.  Cran- 
fill,  A.  C.  Valdez,  M.  J.  Cox,  W.  E.  Gilliland ; 

Finance — R.  M.  Johnston,  Mrs.  Julia  Truitt  Bishop,  T.  J. 
Middleton,  C.  F.  Yeager,  B.  C.  Murray ; 

Memorials— O  .Paget,  Mrs.  M.  R.  Walton,  H.  D.  Cad- 
well,  O.  F.  Dornblaser,  J.  D.  Shaw. 

An  invitation  from  the  Dallas  News  was  received,  in- 
viting the  editors  to  visit  its  plant  and  witness  the  operation 
of  its  new  Inset  press. 

The  executive  committee  reported  its  belief  that  the  in- 
terests and  finances  of  the  Association  were  in  splendid  con- 
dition. It  also  stated  that  an  excursion  at  the  close  of  the 
convention  had  been  arranged  to  the  \Vorld's  Columbian 
Exposition  at  Chicago.  This  was  accomplished  through  the 
efforts  of  a  sub-committee  appointed  for  the  purpose,  con- 
sisting of  Frank  P.  Holland,  W.  A.  Shaw,  A.  C.  Scurlock 
and  the  secretary.  The  route  selected  was  via  the  Texas 
and  Pacific,  Iron  Mountain  and  Wabash  railways. 

The  secretary  reported  $602  collected  as  fees  and  dues. 
The  treasurer's  report  showed  $626.25  collected  and  $424.10 
expended,  leaving  a  balance  of  $202.15  on  hand.  The  treas- 
urer further  reported  that  his  report  did  not  include  the 
$602  paid  him  by  the  secretary  at  this  meeting;  that  after 
deducting  $284,60  for  the  expenses  and  appropriations  voted 
at  this  convention  there  would  remain  a  balance  of  approxi- 
mately $519.55. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

158 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

J.  R.  Briggs,  Dallas  Health  Journal ;  J.  L.  Wilson,  Sherman  Courier ;  S.  A. 
Fishburn,  Dallas  Sunday  Sandwich ;  W.  S.  Arnold,  Lampasas  Dispatch ;  J.  R.  Rose, 
Texas  and  Southwestern  Railroad  Guide ;  Mrs.  Olive  B.  Lee,  Current  Topics,  Dal- 
las;  S.  R.  Boyd,  Hubbard  Pick  and  Pan;  R.  B.  Lockhart,  Pittsburg  Gazette; 
Ocie  Speer,  Roby  Call;  W.  L.  Sargent,  Courier  Observer,  Corsicana ;  Mrs.  Annie 
bmythe,  Longview  Clarion ;  Robert  Carver,  Greenville  Banner ;  R.  W.  Hearn,  Bre- 
mond  Star;  W.  M.  Warlick,  Arlington  Democrat;  Pitt  Henslee,  Merkel  Mail;  G. 
E.  Bovee,  Abilene  Gossip ;  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Cleburne  Enterprise ;  Geo.  H.  Black, 
Lafayette  Iron  Record;  M.  M.  Williams,  Taylor  Sentinel;  D.  O.  Lively,  Dallas 
Times-Herald ;  Marcus  Boren,  Carthage  Watchman ;  John  F.  Houx,  Hempstead 
News ;  Mark  Hamilton,  Tyler  Democrat  and  Reporter ;  A.  L.  Kemper,  Comanche 
Exponent ;  L.  Seabrook,  Port  Lavaca  Port  Lavacaen ;  T.  S.  Hamilton,  Italy  News ; 
H.  H.  Childers,  Waco  Day-Globe;  Henry  Hutchins,  Austin  Evening  News;  Milton 
Park,  Dallas  Mercury ;  Chas.  Boner,  Montague  Democrat ;  T.  J.  Carraway,  Nacog- 
doches  Star-News;  John  Church,  McKinney  Examiner;  J.  L.  McCaleb,  Carrizo 
Springs  Javelin;  Lee  J.  Rountree,  Kyle  Star-Vindicator;  L.  A.  McCollister,  Gordon 
Courier ;  Joe  Taylor,  Clarksville  Times ;  Rosser  Thomas,  Hillsboro  Reflector ;  D.  S. 
Mayes,  Whitney  Messenger;  W.  S.  Givens,  Hillsboro  Register;  L.  Blaylock,  Texas 
Christian  Advocate ;  Ed  J.  Keist,  Dallas  Guide ;  J.  T.  Robison,  Kosse  Cyclone ; 
A.  N.  Justiss,  Corsicana  Light ;  R.  W.  Martin,  Gatesville  Messenger ;  G.  B.  Har- 
ris, Bruceville  Herald ;  Chas.  W.  Gordon ;  Franklin  Central  Texan ;  Miss  May 
Foster,  Laredo  News ;  J.  S.  Poyner,  Bartlett  Democrat ;  Eugene  Moore,  Stephen- 
ville  Empire ;  G.  O.  Hunter,  Sherman  Democrat ;  B.  L.  Cornwell,  Midlothian 
Argus ;  W.  W.  Anderson,  Velasco  World ;  W.  J.  Douglass,  Victoria  Review ;  John 
R.  Hedges,  Dallas  News ;  Daniel  Cruz,  San  Antonio  El  Haraldo. 

On  motion  of  the  secretary  permission  was  given  Mrs.  Isa- 
dore  Miner  to  transfer  her  membership  from  the  Michigan 
to  the  Texas  Press  Association. 

Frank  P.  Holland  offered  the  following  which  was  adopt- 
ed : 

"Recognizing  the  importance  of  educating  and  encourag- 
ing the  people  of  Texas  to  beautify  and  make  comfortable 
their  homes,  we,  the  members  of  the  Texas  Press  Association, 
hereby  pledge  ourselves  to  lend  our  influence  in  advancing 
the  horticultural  development  of  Texas.  The  object  of  the 
State  Horticultural  Society  is  to  encourage  this  development, 
and  we  hereby  request  every  member  of  the  Press  Associa- 
tion to  give  notice  through  his  paper  of  the  meeting  of  the 
State  Horticultural  Society,  to  be  held  at  Rockport,  on  June 
20,  next." 

A  communication  was  received  from  Charles  A.  Mc- 
Lean, mayor  of  Laredo,  inviting  the  Association  to  hold  its 
next  meeting  in  that  city.  Colonel  John  N.  Simpson,  presi- 

159 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

dent  of  the  Texas  State  Fair  and  Dallas  Exposition,  invited 
the  editors  to  visit  the  Fair  grounds  at  4  p.  m.,  Thursday, 
where  a  "spread"  would  be  prepared. 

W.  A.  Shaw,  F.  P.  Holland,  John  H.  Cullom  and  W.  E. 
Gilliland  were  appointed  a  committee  to  devise  ways  and 
means  of  assisting  Frank  Vernon  of  the  Cisco  Round-Up  in 
his  affliction  and  distress  and  report  their  findings  to  the 
Association  on  the  morrow,  which  they  did  as  follows: 

"We,  your  committee  appointed  to  recommend  the  best 
method  of  assisting  our  fellow  member,  Frank  Vernon  of  the 
Cisco  Round-Up,  whose  office  was  recently  destroyed  and 
himself  and  wife  seriously  injured  by  a  destructive  cyclone, 
beg  leave  to  report  as  follows : 

"We  recommend  that  a  donation  of  $100.00  in  cash  be 
made  from  the  treasury  to  Bro.  Vernon,  and  that  a  com- 
mittee of  two  be  appointed  to  solicit  personal  subscriptions 
for  his  benefit,  the  committee  to  be  composed  of  W.  E.  Gilli- 
land and  S.  M.  Vernon." 

T.  J.  Middleton  moved  that  $300  additional  be  donated 
to  Mr.  Vernon,  but  the  motion  failed  to  carry. 

Papers  were  read  by  Mesdames  Julia  Truitt  Bishop,  R.  S. 
Bryarly,  and  M.  R.  Walton  on  "Woman's  Achievements  and 
Inspirations  in  Journalism." 

Mrs.  A.  H.  Mohl  of  the  Houston  Post  made  an  address 
in  regard  to  woman's  connection  with  the  press,  and  an- 
nounced that  the  ladies  engaged  in  journalistic  and  literary  work 
in  the  State  would  meet  in  the  parlors  of  the  Winsor  hotel  at  3 
p.  m.,  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  press  association  of 
their  own. 

Perry  Hawkins  of  the  Taylor  Journal  made  an  address 
on  the  subject  of  "Women  in  the  Field  of  Journalism"  in 
which  he  referred  very  tenderly  and  lovingly  to  the  ladies 
and  said  they  had  proved  a  success  in  everything  they  had 
so  far  attempted,  and  the  field  of  journalism  was  no  excep- 
tion. But  he  did  not  believe  they  had  received  the  encourage- 

160 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

meiit  their  abilities  deserved.  He  said  his  exchanges  which 
had  female  writers  were  always  the  first  read.  He,  however, 
discouraged  the  movement  on  foot  to  organize  a  separate 
association  of  the  women,  asserting  that  their  presence  at  the 
conventions  of  the  men  had  a  tendency  to  banish  wine  from 
the  banquets. 

W.  A.  Shaw  of  the  Texas  Farmer  made  an  address  on 
"The  Newspaper  Man  as  a  Legislator"  and  said,  in  sub- 
stance, that  the  newspaper  man  who  runs  for  office  has  not 
the  proper  conception  of  the  high  calling  of  journalism.  If 
the  office  sought  the  man  the  case  might  be  different,  but  the 
office  never  seeks.  The  editor  who  has  not  behind  his  busi- 
ness a  conviction  of  duty  to  his  patrons  is  unworthy  to  be 
called  an  editor,  and  it  would  perhaps  be  better  if  he  did  not 
run  for  the  legislature.  He  thought  the  editor  could  do  more 
good  by  staying  at  home  and  editing  his  paper  in  a  fearless 
and  independent  manner  than  by  going  to  the  legislature, 
since  he  can  through  his  paper  compel  a  better  administra- 
tion of  public  affairs  from  constable  up  to  president,  and 
thus  bring  about  a  better  civilization,  "which  the  Lord  knows 
is  sadly  enough  needed,"  while  as  a  legislator  he  can  do  no 
good  whatever. 

President  Copeland  announced  to  the  Association  an 
invitation  to  attend  the  meeting  of  the  woman  suffragists  at 
the  Knights  of  Pythias  hall.  R.  M.  Johnston  of  the  Houston 
Post  did  not  object  to  acceptance  of  the  invitation  if  the 
object  and  intention  of  it  was  that  the  Association  was  to 
attend  merely  as  spectators.  Judge  A.  B.  Norton  of  Nor- 
ton's Intelligencer  said,  "the  dearest  of  all  objects  is  woman;" 
and  as  such  an  invitation  had  been  extended,  he  moved  it 
be  accepted  with  thanks. 

The  following  officers  were  elected  for  the  ensuing  year: 
President — A.    C.    Scurlock,    Cleburne    Chronicle; 
First  Vice  President— Frank  P.  Holland,  Texas  Farm  and  Ranch, 

Dallas; 
Second  Vice   President — W.  A.  Adair,   Marshall   Messenger; 

161 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Third  Vice  President — John  H.  Cullom,  Garland  News; 
Secretary — Fred    B.    Robinson,    Huntsville    Item; 
Treasurer — T.   B.  Johnson,  San  Antonio  Light. 
Executive    Committee: 

First   District — N.   A.   Cravens,  Willis   Index; 
Second   District — Alex   Wynne,    Beaumont    Enterprise; 
Third  District— E.  W.  Harris,  Clarksville  Herald; 
Fourth   District — J.  J.   Taylor,   Clarksville  Times; 
Fifth  District — B.  C.  Murray,  Denison  Gazetteer; 
Sixth    District — Frank   Doremus,   Dallas   News; 
Seventh   District — J.  D.  Shaw,  Waco  Independent  Pulpit; 
Eighth  District — S.  M.  Vernon,  Comanche  Chief; 
Ninth   District — J.    G.    Rankin,   Brenham    Banner; 
Tenth  District — C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald; 
Eleventh  District — A.  S.  Cri'sp,  Cuero  Star; 
Twelfth  District — J.   G.   Murphy,   San  Angelo  Standard; 
Thirteenth   District — H.  J.   Strickfaden,   Henrietta   Herald. 
Mrs.    Nellie    Paget,    at    earnest    solicitation,    had    prepared 
an  original  poem  for  the  occasion,  but  being  unavoidably  ab- 
sent, the  poem  was  read  by  her  husband,  O.  Paget.    The  sub- 
ject, "Light — The  Press."    A  paper  was  read  by  O.  F.  Dorn- 
blaser    of    the    Grandview    Sentinel    on    the    "Duties    of   the 
Press." 

Keist  &  Myers  announced  that  they  were  publishing 
a  paper,  "The  Guide,"  in  the  interest  of  the  craft  and  offered 
to  publish  free  all  communications  and  matters  pertaining 
to  the  Association  and  solicited  from  members  all  matter 
bearing  upon  the  good  and  welfare  of  the  craft. 

W.  E.  Gilliland,  for  the  committee  on  Constitution  and 
By-Laws  presented  the  following: 

"Resolved,  That  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  this 
Association  be  so  amended  as  to  read  as  follows : 

"Article  III.  All  bona  fide  proprietors  or  editors  of 
newspapers  or  periodicals  published  in  Texas,  not  less  fre- 
quently than  once  a  month,  and  which  have  been  in  existence 
not  less  than  three  months,  shall  be  entitled  to  membership 
in  the  Association;  provided,  said  applicant  has  been  con- 
nected with  said  publication,  either  as  editor  or  proprietor, 

162 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

for  a  period  of  not  less  than  three  months;  provided,  further, 
that  this  article  shall  not  be  so  construed  as  to  debar  ac- 
knowledged professional  newspaper  men,  who  are  members 
of  this  Association,  but  temporarily  out  of  the  business  or 
employment  and  now  engaged  in  other  business,  from  being 
placed  on  the  honorary  membership  roll  of  this  Association, 
and  from  being  restored  to  full  membership,  by  returning 
to  active  newspaper  work,  without  further  action  of  this 
body ;  provided,  that  regular  dues  shall  be  collected  from  such 
honorary  members  upon  their  return  to  the  Association  for 
the  full  time  as  if  an  active  member;  and,  further,  that  mem- 
bers so  temporarily  retiring  shall  immediately  inform  the  sec- 
retary of  the  Association  of  said  retirement,  and  also  of  his 
return  to  active  work.  The  election  for  membership  shall 
in  all  cases  be  by  ballot — three  black  ballots  shall  reject — 
and  no  motion  shall  be  made  to  evade  this  provision.  And, 
provided,  further,  all  ex-presidents  of  this  Association  shall 
be  eligible  to  membership  in  this  Association." 

After  inserting,  on  motion  of  L.  D.  Lillard,  the  word 
"subscription"  before  the  word  "newspapers,"  the  report  was 
adopted. 

The  Committee  on  Resolutions  submitted  a  resolution 
which  provided  that  members  of  the  Association  who  are  not 
actively  engaged  in  newspaper  work,  or  who  are  not  so 
situated  as  to  be  able  to  render  quid  pro  con  to  railroads  for 
courtesies  extended  on  account  of  membership  in  the  Asso- 
ciation, should  not  be  entitled  to  such  courtesies. 

President  Copeland  said  the  resolution  was  out  of  or- 
der, that  the  Constitution  prescribed  who  were  eligible  to 
membership,  and  members  of  the  Association  were  all 
equally  entitled  to  courtesies.  Perry  Hawkins  was  of  opinion 
that  when  a  member  of  the  Association  in  good  standing 
makes  application  to  the  railroads  for  transportation,  the 
railroads  grant  it  on  the  reciprocity  idea  and  expect  to  be 
paid  in  advertising;  when  a  man,  whose  connection  with 

163 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

newspaper  work  is  transient,  becomes  a  member  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, and  because  of  such  membership  requests  courtesies 
which  he  is  not  able  to  return,  then  to  that  extent  the  or- 
ganization is  compromised.  He  concluded:  "I  do  not  favor 
the  idea  of  getting  something  for  nothing."  D.  C.  Kolp  op- 
posed the  resolution  on  the  ground  that:  "If  we  are  mem- 
bers we  are  members ;  and  the  Constitution  is  broad  enough 
and  explicit  enough  to  protect  the  Association."  He  con- 
sidered the  resolution  in  the  nature  of  "class  legislation." 
In  support  of  the  resolution  Frank  P.  Holland  said:  "The 
railroads  extend  these  courtesies  to  the  press  because  they 
expect  to  get  paid  for  them  in  advertising.  This  Association 
does  not  want  to  accept  anything  that  it  can  not  pay  for; 
whenever  it  does,  then  I  am  no  longer  a  member."  R.  Wil- 
son of  the-Lockhart  Register  indorsed  Holland's  position. 

The  resolution  was  adopted  unanimously. 

B.  L.  Cornwell  of  the  Midlothian  Argus  announced  that 
Ellis  county,  with  the  largest  weekly  press  of  any  county  in 
the  State,  had  a  flourishing  county  press  association.  It 
was  announced  that  Montague  .county,  with  nine  weekly 
papers,  had  a  similar  organization.  Fort  Worth  was  elected 
as  the  next  place  of  meeting  over  Waco,  Laredo  and  Lam- 
pasas. 

Frank  P.  Holland  addressed  the  convention  on  "The 
Press  and  the  World's  Fair,  and  How  to  Make  the  Most  of 
Our  Time  There." 

A  resolution  was  adopted  pledging  the  Association,  in 
the  future  as-  in  the  past,  to  give  unqualified  indorsement 
and  support  to  the  Texas  State  Fair  and  Dallas  Exposition ; 
and  to  urge  upon  the  people  of  the  entire  State  the  imperative 
necessity  of  their  hearty  co-operation  and  support. 

The  following  was  adopted,  unanimously: 

"Whereas,  A  combination  or  trust  of  twenty-three  type 
founders  has  been  formed  in  this  country  which,  according 
to  the  statement  of  its  western  manager,  failed  of  being  an 

164 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

absolute  monopoly  only  because  of  the  failure  of  its  proprie- 
tors to  induce  three  or  four  type  founders  to  join  it;  and 

"Whereas,  We  believe  the  said  organization  to  be  an  il- 
legal body,  hostile  alike  to  the  laws  of  the  land  and  to  the  in- 
stincts and  best  interests  of  the  people,  since  its  evident  pur- 
pose, self-confessed  in  its  prospectus  issued  for  the  purpose 
of  inducing  investors  to  purchase  stock,  is  to  largely  ad- 
vance prices  of  printers'  material;  and 

"Whereas,  There  is  in  Chicago  one  large  type  foundry, 
and  in  New  York  and  Philadelphia  three  other  independent 
foundries  which  have  refused  to  join  this  trust;  therefore, 
be  it 

"Resolved,  That  we  pledge  to  the  independent  foundries 
our  support  in  their  fight  against  the  combination,  so  long 
as  they  shall  maintain  their  independent  attitude ;  and  that 
we  will,  with  our  patronage  and,  so  far  as  we  can  influence 
it,  with  the  patronage  of  our  craft  in  general,  uphold  them 
and  rebuke  the  trust  for  this  attempt  to  take  our  business  by 
the  throat  and  to  extort  from  us  exorbitant  rates  for  their 
goods;  and  be  it  further 

"Resolved,  That  so  long  as  the  independent  foundries 
do  not  advance  prices  but  meet  us  in  a  fair  spirit  of  con- 
cession, we  will  not  be  induced  by  temporary  large  reduc- 
tions in  prices  on  the  part  of  the  trust  to  thus  aid  them  in 
crushing  out  opposition  and  establishing  a  monopoly."  • 

A  resolution  was  adopted  expressing  appreciation  of  the 
great  work  Dr.  R.  C.  Buckner  was  accomplishing  in  provid- 
ing a  home  for  and  educating  dependent  orphans,  and  ask- 
ing the  members  of  the  Association  to  give  as  much  space 
as  possible  in  the  interest  of  Buckner's  Orphans  Home. 

The  entertainment  at  the  Fair  Grounds  was  a  pleasant 
affair,  punctuated  by  eloquence  and  a  good  time  generally. 

Memorial  resolutions  were  adopted  in  memory  of  J.  P. 
Bridges,  R.  W.  Coleman,  J.  F.  Mitchell,  Miss  Virginia  Gor- 
don Rock  and  J.  J.  Haggarty. 

165 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  motion  of  Perry  Hawkins  that  $50  be  donated  out 
of  the  Association  treasury  to  Buckner's  Orphans  Home  be- 
ing opposed,  the  motion  was  withdrawn  after  several  amend- 
ments had  been  offered.  Thereupon  Frank  P.  Holland  stated 
that  he  had  incurred  an  expense  of  fully  $50  in  arranging 
for  the  Chicago  excursion  and  requested  that  said  sum  be 
granted  him  from  the  treasury.  Warrant  for  same  having 
been  issued,  Holland  said  he  would  donate  the  amount  to 
the  Home.  W.  A.  Shaw  said  he  approved  Holland's  lib- 
erality but  protested  against  any  credit  being  given  therefor 
to  the  Association.  It  was  finally  decided  that  Holland  could 
donate  the  money,  but  not  in  the  name  of  the  Association. 

On  motion  of  B.  C.  Murray  the  following  was  adopted: 

"Amend  second  line  of  Article  III  of  the  Constitution 
so  as  to  hereafter  read  as  follows :  'And  an  annual  due  of 
$1'  instead  of  an  annual  due  of  $2." 

The  following  were  appointed  as  delegates  to  the  Na- 
tional Editorial  Association :  Frank  P.  Holland,  A.  B.  Nor- 
ton, J.  L.  Watson,  C.  F.  Lehmann,  A.  C.  Valdez,  S.  M.  Ver- 
non,  Alex  Wynne,  W.  S.  Arnold,  Will  H.  Sargent,  E.  S. 
Peters. 

The  excursion  was  to  the  WorlcTs  Fair  at  Chicago  and 
was  said  to  have  been  the  most  largely  attended  and  one  of 
the  most  enjoyable  ever  taken  by  the  Association. 


166 


Fifteenth  Annual  Convention — 1894 


THE  fifteenth  annual  convention  was  held  in  the  City 
Hall  in  Fort  Worth  beginning  June  26,  1894.  It  was 
called  to  order  by  President  A.  C.  Scurlock  of  the  Cleburne 
Chronicle.  The  invocation  was  by  Rev.  M.  W.  Daggett  of 
Fort  Worth.  The  address  of  welcome  was  delivered  by 
George  B.  Loving  of  the  Fort  Worth  Live  Stock  Journal. 
Response  to  the  address  of  welcome  was  by  President  Scur- 
lock. 

On  call  of  the  roll  the  following  responded : 

W.  A.  Adair,'  Marshall  Messenger ;  L.  Blaylock,  Texas  Christian  Advocate ; 
Robert  Carver,  Greenville  Banner ;  J.  B.  Cranfill,  Waco  Baptist  Standard ;  W.  D. 
Cox,  Temple  Tribune;  Chas.  Culmore,  Houston  Daily  Press;  J.  W.  Dale,  Denton 
Baptist  Visitor;  F.  Doremus,  Dallas  News;  W.  E.  Gilliland,  Baird  Star;  J.  S.  Hart, 
El  Paso  Times;  John  Hoeny,  Jr.,  Abilene  Reporter;  R.  M.  Johnston,  Houston 
Post ;  I.  V.  Jolly,  Lewisville  Our  Church  Helper ;  A.  N.  Justiss,  Corsicana  Light ; 
E.  J.  Keist,  Dallas  Publishers  Guide ;  D.  O.  Lively,  Dallas  Dispatch ;  Mrs.  Isadore 
Miner,  Dallas  News;  S.  H.  McBride,  Victoria  Advocate;  W.  B.  Newton,  Vernon 
Texan;  Milton  Park,  Dallas  Mercury;  T.  W.  Perkins,  Wylie  Rustler;  G.  F. 
Pierson,  Fort  Worth  Gazette ;  J.  G.  Rankin,  Brenham  Banner ;  Lee  J.  Rountree, 
Kyle  Star- Vindicator ;  W.  L.  Sargent,  Corsicana  Observer;  A.  C.  Scurlock,  Cle- 
burne Chronicle;  Mrs.  A.  E.  Smythe,  Dallas  -  — ;  J.  L.  McCaleb;  Carrizo 
Springs  Javelin;  R.  A.  Musgrove,  Sweetwater  Review;  H.  J.  Strickfaden,  Henrietta 
Herald;  F.  C.  Thompson,  McKinney  Democrat;  A.  C.  Valdez,  San  Antonio  El 
Heraldo;  Mrs.  M.  R.  Walton,  Fort  Worth  Gazette;  R.  Wilson,  Lockhart  Register; 
Alex  Wynne,  Beaumont  Enterprise ;  F.  B.  Baillio,  Alvarado  Bulletin ;  H.  D.  Cad- 
well,  Gainesville  Signal ;  B.  L.  Cornwell,  Midlothian  Argus ;  M.  J.  Cox,  Mesquite 
Mesquiter ;  John  H.  Cullom,  Garland  News ;  Mrs.  Fannie  Culmore,  Houston  Daily 
Press ;  W.  W.  Dexter,  Houston  Trade  Review ;  W.  J.  Douglass,  Yoakum  Graphic ; 
R.  W.  rtaltom,  Nacogdoches  Chronicle ;  Pitt  Henslee,  Merkel  Mail ;  F.  P.  Holland, 
Texas  Farm  and  Ranch;  T.  B.  Johnson,  San  Antonio  Light ;  H.  P.  Jones,  Milford 
Courier;  A.  M.  Kennedy,  Mexia  Ledger;  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald ; 
H.  W.  Manson,  Rockwall  Success;  T.  J.  Middleton,  Waxahachie  Mirror;  W.  H. 
Neel,  Dublin  Leader;  P.  H.  Pardue,  Waxahachie  Democrat;  S.  F.  Perry,  Florence 
Reporter;  E.  S.  Peters,  Calvert  Citizen-Democrat;  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Cleburne 
Enterprise;  G.  W.  Rose,  Cisco  Round-Up ;  Fred  B.  Robinson,  Huntsville  Item; 
J.  Y.  Schenck,  Caddo,  I.  T.,  Banner;  J.  D.  Shaw,  Waco  Independent  Pulpit; 
J.  C.  Son,  Palo  Pinto  Star;  L.  A.  McCollister,  Gordon  Courier;  Eugene  Moore, 
Stephenville  Empire ;  Joe  J.  Taylor,  Clarksville  Times ;  Frank  Vernon,  Cisco 
Round-Up;  S.  M.  Vernon,  Comanche  Chief;  W.  M.  Warlick,  Dallas  Democrat; 
James  Williams,  Denton  Chronicle. 

The    following   committees    were   appointed: 

167 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Membership — C.  F.  Lehmann,  J.  G.  Rankin,  H.  J.  Strick- 
faden,  W.  J.  Douglas ; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — R.  M.  Johnston,  F.  B.  Bail- 
lio,  H.  P.  Jones,  W.  W.  Dexter,  Lee  J.  Rountree ; 

Resolutions— R.  Wilson,  J.  D.  Shaw,  H.  D.  Cadwell, 
R.  W.  Haltom,  John  Hoeny,  Jr. ; 

Revision  of  Roll— W.  E.  Gilliland,  Alex  Wynne,  J.  R. 
Ransone,  Jr.,  J.  W.  Dale; 

Finance — E.  G.  Senter,  Frank  Vernon,  M.  J.  Cox,  W.  A. 
Adair,  John  H.  Cullom. 

The  executive  committee  reported  that  an  excursion 
at  the  close  of  the  convention  had  been  arranged  to  Asbury 
Park,  New  Jersey,  the  route  to  be  over  the  Texas  and  Pa- 
cific, Iron  Mountain,  Big  Four,  Lake  Shore,  and  New  York 
Central  railways.  The  executive  committee  further  reported 
that  they  had  decided  that  the  order  passed  at  the  last  an- 
nual convention  reducing  the  dues  to  one  dollar  a  year  had 
not  been  passed  in  a  legal  way,  and  that  they,  the  executive 
committee,  had  instructed  the  secretary  to  collect  two  dol- 
lars, as  heretofore,  unless  other  action  was  taken  by  the 
Association. 

The  report  of  the  secretary  showed  that  $268  had  been 
collected  as  dues  and  fees.  It  further  showed  that  he  had 
taken  advantage  of  an  order  of  the  Association  which  had 
fallen  into  disuse,  and  had  issued  bulletins  warning  the  mem- 
bers against  known  frauds  and  doubtful  pay  advertisers,  to- 
gether with  such  other  matters  as  were  deemed  of  interest 
to  the  craft.  He  was  requested  to  continue  the  good  work. 
The  treasurer  reported  a  balance  of  $295.55  on  hand. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

Will  C.  Perry,  Ennis  Meteor;  H.  E.  Burns,  Wylie  Rustler;  Lee  Lankford, 
Sealy  News ;  E.  G.  Senter,  Fort  Worth  Gazette ;  C.  B.  Gillespie,  Forney  Tribune ; 
T.  G.  Mcllvain,  Itasca  Mail;  Will  G.  Durritt,  Waxahachie  Times;  J.  L.  Robinson, 
Jewett  Messenger;  Miss  Augusta  Wilson,  Timpson  Times;  Mrs.  Virginia  Q.  Goff, 
Dallas  Times-Herald;  Miss  Sallie  Herndon,  Stephenville  Journal;  W.  P.  Blake, 
Clarendon  Industrial  West;  Miss  Lelia  Trumbull,  Hutto  CRurch  Helper;  E.  K. 
Atwood,  Cotulla  Ledger;  W.  J.  Buie,  Whitewright  Plow  and  Hammer;  J.  K.  P. 
Shirley,  Parker  County  News ;  Miss  E.  Hendrick,  Smithville  Times ;  Geo.  B.  Lov- 

168 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

ing,    Fort   Worth    Stock   Journal ;    Miss    Margaret    Bruin,    Waxahachie    Times ;    W.    A. 
Johnson,     Hall     County     Herald. 

Lee  J.  Rountree  having  preferred  charges  against  *  *  *, 
a  former  president  of  the  Association,  the  charges  were  re- 
ferred to  a  committee  consisting  of  John  H.  Cullom,  F.  B. 
Baillio  and  J.  D.  Shaw.  The  report  of  the  committee  was  to 
the  effect  that  "inasmuch  as  the  said  *  *  *  had  not  paid  his 
annual  dues,  and  for  other  causes  known  to  the  members 
of  this  body,  and  for  other  causes  not  necessary  here  to  re- 
cite, this  committee  recommends  that  the  name  of  the  said 
*  *  *  be,  and  is  hereby,  stricken  from  the  roll  of  member- 
ship of  the  Texas  Press  Association ;  and  that  he  be  no  long- 
er considered  a  member  of  this  Association,  honorary  or 
otherwise."  The  committee  further  reported  that  "after  care- 
ful consideration  of  the  status  of  *  *  *,  and  the  laws  ap- 
plicable to  his  case,  in  its  opinion  he  is  not  eligible  to  mem- 
bership under  the  clause  in  the  Constitution  alluding  to  ex- 
presidents."  After  discussion,  the  report  of  the  committee 
was  adopted  without  dissent. 

W.  E.  Gilliland  offered  an  amendment  to  the  Constitu- 
tion providing  that  the  initiation  fee  be  fixed  at  $10  and  the 
annual  dues  be  reduced  from  $2  to  $1.  This  was  referred 
to  the  committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws. 

A  reception  was  attended  at  the  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
C.  H.  Silliman  where  a  beautiful  silk  flag  of  the  State  of 
Texas  was  presented  to  the  Association  by  those  good  peo- 
ple. The  flag  was  received  by  J.  D.  Shaw,  for  the  Associa- 
tion, in  an  eloquent  and  patriotic  speech. 

F.  B.  Baillio  read  a  paper  on  "The  Humanity  of  the 
Press."  E.  G.  Senter  was  on  the  program  for  a  paper  on 
"The  Ethics  of  the  Press."  He  had  not  prepared  a  paper 
but,  in  discussing  his  subject,  he  said  he  favored  a  general 
standard  of  ethics  for  the  profession  and  that,  for  other 
things,  the  press  should  be  guarded  from  disrepute;  that  as 
it  now  happened,  newspaper  men  were  looked  upon  as 
menials  to  do  the  bidding  of  the  public,  some  man  of  which 

169 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

sometimes  felt  at  liberty  to  come  to  a  newspaper  office  and 
tell  the  editor  what  he  should  do  and  what  he  should  or 
should  not  say;  that  the  newspapers  should  be  the  servants 
of  the  whole  people  and  not  of  any  individual.  He  plead  for 
that  financial  independence  which  would  put  the  makers  of 
newspapers  in  a  good  position  commercially,  socially  and 
every  other  way.  He  spoke  in  favor  of  the  personality  and 
individuality  of  the  press  which  should  speak  out  with  a 
power  and  a  soul  that  would  command  respect  if  it  com- 
manded nothing  more.  Mrs.  S.  Isadore  Miner  read  a  paper 
on  "What  Can  Be  Done  to  Improve  the  Average  Woman's 
and  Children's  Departments  in  Newspapers?"  Mrs.  C. 
Bryarly  sent  a  paper  on  "The  Country  Editor's  Wife,"  which 
was  read  by  Secretary  Robinson. 

The  committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws  submitted 
the  following  which  was  adopted  without  dissent: 

"Resolved,  That  no  one  shall  be  eligible  to  membership 
in  this  Association  who  does  not  own  a  proprietary  interest 
in  some  newspaper  printed  in  the  State  of  Texas,  or  is  regu- 
larly employed  or  actively  engaged  in  the  editorial  or  business  de- 
partment of  such  newspaper  as  a  regular  business  or  profession ; 
and  it  is  especially  understood  that  those  persons  running 
or  conducting  department  pages  and  columns  of  any  nature 
whatsoever  are  not  considered  as  eligible  members  of  this 
Association." 

Waco  was  selected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting,  Dallas 
having  been  withdrawn. 

The  committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws  submitted 
the  following  which  was  adopted : 

"We  submit  for  your  consideration  and  action,  and  with- 
out any  recommendation  on  our  part,  the  following  substi- 
tute for  Article  VIII  of  the  Constitution  which  was  re- 
ferred to  us : 

"Every  member  shall  pay  an  initiation  fee  of  $10  and 
an  annual  due  of  $1  for  the  use  of  this  Association,  the  $11 

170 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

to  accompany  each  application.  All  members  who  fail  to 
comply  with  this  requirement  and  are  one  year  in  arrears, 
after  sixty  days  previous  notice  by  the  secretary  of  said 
Association,  shall  be  stricken  from  the  rolls." 

A  poem  by  James  Graham  of  Nashville,  Tennessee,  "The 
Country  Editor,"  was  read,  by  request,  by  Miss  Mary  Ma- 
lone.  S.  M.  Vernon  read  a  paper  on  the  "Ethics  of  ^  Jour- 
nalism." John  G.  Rankin  read  a  paper  on  "In  How  Small  a 
Town  Will  a  Daily  Newspaper  Pay?" 

The  committee  on  necrology  submitted  resolutions  in  re- 
gard to  the  deaths  of  Judge  A.  B.  Norton,  Colonel  W.  L. 
Malone,  Mrs.  Laura  E.  Foute,  and  G.  R.  Parsons.  Also 
resolutions  of  sympathy  with  B.  C.  Murray  in  the  death 
of  his  wife,  Mrs.  Amanda  Murray ;  and  with  L.  D.  Lillard  in 
the  death  of  his  wife. 

The  following  officers  were  elected : 

President — Frank  P.  Holland,  Texas  Farm  and  Ranch,  Dallas; 
First  Vice  President — W.  A.  Adair,  Marshall   Messenger; 
Second  Vice  President — John  H.  Cullom,  Garland  News; 
Third  Vi'ce   President— F.   B.   Baillio,  Alvarado   Bulletin; 
Secretary — Fred   B.    Robinson,    Huntsville    Item; 
Treasurer — T.    B.    Johnson,    San    Antonio    Light. 
Executive    Committee: 

First  District— L   D.  'Lillard,   Fairfield   Recorder; 
Second    District — Alex    Wynne,    Beaumont    Enterprise; 
Third   District — Robert   Carver,   Greenville   Banner; 
Fourth  District— J.  J.  Taylor,   Clarksville  Times; 
Fifth  District — B.  C.   Murray,  Denison  Gazetteer; 
Sixth   District — J.   R.   Ransone,  Jr.,   Cleburne   Enterprise; 
Seventh  District — E.  S.  Peters,  Calvert  Citizen-Democrat; 
Eighth  District — W.   H.   Neel,   Dublin   Leader; 
Ninth    District — J.    G.    Rankin,    Brenham    Banner; 
Tenth  District— C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville   Herald; 
Eleventh  District — L.  Seabrook,  Port  Lavaca  Port  Lavacaen; 
Twelfth   District — W.  A.   Guthrie,  San  Angelo  Standard; 
Thirteenth  District — R.  A.   Musgrove,   Sweetwater   Review. 

The  following  was  adopted  unanimously : 
"Whereas,  The  management  of  the  State  Fair  is  putting 

171 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

forth  every  effort  this  season  to  present  an  entertainment 
that  will  in  all  respects  excel  that  of  previous  years ;  and 

"Whereas,  The  State  Fair  is  deserving  the  aid  and  en- 
couragement of  all  patriotic  citizens,  since  the  benefits  that 
accrue  therefrom  are  distributed  throughout  the  State;  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  meeting  to  give 
our  unanimous  indorsement  to  the  Fair  management  in  their 
work,  and  that  whatever  aid  or  assistance  we  can  render  the 
same  will  be  cheerfully  given  with  the  hope  that  the  grandest 
of  all  fairs  may  be  given  this  fall  and  the  result,  in  every 
respect,  prove  a  success  financially  and  otherwise." 

After  lengthy  discussion,  the  following  by  R.  M.  John- 
ston, was  adopted : 

"Whereas,  It  is  believed  that  the  best  and  truest  inter- 
ests of  this  organization  will  be  subserved  by  eliminating 
the  seemingly  all  dominant  excursion  idea ;  therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  the  wish  of  this  Association  that 
no  general  excursion  be  prepared  or  solicited  for  the  .next 
two  years ;  or,  at  least,  that  the  excursion  idea  be  eliminated 
from  the  Association  sessions." 

The  motion  of  W.  D.  Cox  that  the  second  Tuesday  in 
May  each  year  be  fixed  as  the  time  for  the  annual  conven- 
tions was  adopted  without  opposition. 

W.  E.  Gilliland  read  a  paper  on  "The  Use  of  the  Scis- 
sors." 

Rev.  Dr.  R.  C.  Buckner  of  Buckner's  Orphans  Home 
addressed  the  convention,  saying  among  other  things  that 
while  he  was  father  to  350  little  orphans,  more  than  1,000 
in  the  State  called  him  "father ;"  he  thanked  the  press  for  the 
many  kind  favors  rendered  the  Home  and  expressed  grati- 
fication at  the  good  work  being  done  in  the  interest  of  edu- 
cation by  the  editors  of  Texas.  He  made  a  strong  plea  for 
the  Home,  presenting  facts  and  figures  of  interest  concerning 
its  workings.  A  collection  was  taken  and  a  neat  sum  was 
raised  for  the  Home.  Rev.  G.  W.  Armstrong  complimented 

172 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

the  editors  on  the  good  work  being  done  and  expressed 
special  gratification  at  woman's  prominence  in  Texas  journalism, 
and  said  from  this  fact  he  anticipated  much  good. 

The  following  by  the  committee  on  resolutions  was 
adopted : 

"Whereas,  The  Woman's  Press  Association  has  honored 
the  Texas  Press  Association  by  holding  its  annual  conven- 
tion at  the  same  time  and  place  with  it;  therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association  appreciate 
their  efforts  for  the  betterment  of  the  Texas  press  in  all  de- 
partments; and  that  we  wish  for  them  great  success  in  the 
maintenance  and  perpetuation  of  their  organization." 

After  the  reading  of  an  editorial  from  the  St.  Louis 
Globe-Democrat,  entitled  "The  Decadence  of  Texas,"  Colonel 
Frank  P.  Holland  offered  the  following  which  was  adopted: 

"Resolved,  That  we,  members  of  the  Texas  Press  Asso- 
ciation, and  Texans  by  birth  or  adoption,  having  a  more  exact 
knowledge  of  the  conditions  that  prevail  in  Texas  than  can 
possibly  be  at  the  command  of  a  paper  that  lives  to  villify 
the  Southland,  most  emphatically  place  the  seal  of  our  con- 
demnation upon  this  and  similar  publications  as  being  cal- 
culated, and  indeed  intended,  though  this  we  say  with  pro- 
found regret,  to  injure  the  credit,  fame  and  prosperity  of 
Texas,  justly  the  empire  State  of  the  South.  The  assertions  of 
facts  relating  to  the  prosperity  of  the  State,  or  the  lessening 
of  its  prosperity  are  unqualifiedly  false.  We  invite  all  who 
would  learn  and  know  the  truth,  and  who  are  unwilling  to 
accept  the  assertions  of  the  children  of  Texas  as  true,  to 
come  to  us  and  be  convinced  that  the  editorial  of  the  St. 
Louis  Globe-Democrat  of  May  8,  last,  entitled  'The  Deca- 
dence of  Texas'  has  but  little,  if  any  more  foundation  than 
the  malignancy  of  a  jaundiced  mind." 

Charges  of  misconduct  were  preferred  against  *  *  *, 
and  on  motion  of  W.  E.  Gilliland,  *  *  *  was  expelled  from 
membership  in  the  Association;  and  the  secretary  was  in- 

173 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

structed  to  notify  the  National  Editorial  Association  of  the 
action  of  this  body. 

A  resolution  of  sympathy  was  voted  Robert  Carver  in 
the  death  of  his  wife. 

The  motion  to  reconsider  the  resolution,  doing  away 
with  annual  excursions  for  the  next  two  years  and  divorcing 
the  excursion  feature  from  the  business  meetings,  was  tabled 
—21  to  20. 

W.  D.  Cox  read  a  paper  on  "How  to  Make  Our  Annual 
Meetings  More  Profitable."  Mrs.  M.  R.  Walton  read  a 
paper  on  "Woman's  Influence  in  Journalism." 

On  motion  of  Lee  J.  Rountree,  the  delegates  to  the 
National  Editorial  Association  were  instructed,  in  inviting 
that  organization  to  hold  its  next  annual  convention  in  Tex- 
as, to  advocate  Dallas  as  the  place  of  meeting. 

The  committee  on  Constitution  and  by-laws  recommend- 
ed the  following  which  was  adopted: 

"Resolved,  .That  a  committee  of  four,  one  of  whom  shall 
be  the  secretary  of  this  Association,  be  appointed  by  the 
President  at  each  annual  meeting  to  take  charge  of  the  mat- 
ter of  printing  necessary  for  this  Association,  making  con- 
tract for  the  same,  etc." 

The  following  by  W.  E.  Gilliland  was  adopted: 

"Lest  any  question  arise  as  to  the  amount  of  dues  to 
be  collected  for  1894,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  distinctly  understood  the  amount 
to  be  collected  is  $1." 

A  communication  was  read  from  the  Woman's  Chris- 
tian Temperance  Union  returning  thanks  for  many  favors 
in  the  past  throughout  the  State  by  individual  journals,  and 
asking  further  aid  and  assistance. 

A  gold  headed  cane  was  presented  to  the  retiring  presi- 
dent. 

The  excursion  was  to  New  York  City,  Asbury  Park,  New 
Jersey,  etc.,  over  the  Texas  and  Pacific,  Iron  Mountain,  Big 
Four,  Lake  Shore,  and  N.  Y.  Central  railways. 

174 


Sixteenth  Annual  Convention — 1895 


THE  sixteenth  annual  convention  was  called  to  order  by 
President  Frank  P.  Holland  of  the  Texas  Farm  and 
Ranch  at  the  City  Hall  in  Waco  on  May  16,  1895.  Rev. 
Frank  Page  of  St.  Paul's  church  delivered  the  invocation. 
J.  D.  Shaw  of  the  Waco  Independent  Pulpit  made  the  ad- 
dress of  welcome  which  was  responded  to  by  Juan  S.  Hart 
of  the  El  Paso  Times. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed : 

Membership — C.  F.  Lehmann,  R.  A.  Musgrove,  R.  C. 
Johnson,  B.  C.  Murray,  F.  B.  Baillio ; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — W.  A.  Shaw,  Eugene  Moore, 
W.  H.  Neel,  Sam  Vernon,  John  H.  Cullom ; 

Resolutions — J.  G.  Rankin,  J.  L.  Robinson,  Mrs.  C. 
Bryarly,  J.  D.  Shaw,  C.  Valdez; 

Revision  of  Roll— R.  Wilson,  E.  S.  Peters,  J.  R.  Ransone, 
Jr.,  Frank  Gaston,  W.  L.  Sargent; 

Finance — Louis  Blaylock,  M.  J.  Cox,  J.  E.  Vernor,  Frank 
Vernon,  P.  H.  Pardue. 

The  following  members  responded  to  call  of  the  roll: 

W.  A.  Adair,  Marshall  Messenger;  L.  Blaylock,  Texas  Christian  Advocate; 
W.  J.  Buie,  Whitewdght  Plow  and  Hammer;  H.  H.  Childers,  Houston  Post; 
J.  B.  Cranfill,  Waco  Baptist  Standard;  W.  D.  Cox,  Temple  Tribune;  J.  W.  Dale, 
Decatur  Free  Press;  W.  J.  Douglas,  Yoakum  Graphic;  J.  S.  Hart,  El  Paso  Times; 
F.  P.  Holland,  Texas  Farm  and  Ranch;  T.  B.  Johnson,  San  Antonio  Light;  J.  O. 
Jones,  Mexia  Courier ;  E.  J.  Keist,  Dallas  Publishers'  Guide ;  C.  F.  Lehmann, 
Hallettsville  Herald;  H.  W.  Manson,  Rockwall  Success;  R.  W.  Martin,  Gatesville 
Messenger;  B.  C.  Murray,  Denison  Gazetteer;  Eugene  Moore,  Stephenville  Em- 
pire; W.  H.  Neel,  Dublin  Leader;  W.  H.  Orr,  El  Campo  Eagle;  Will  C.  Perry, 
Ennis  Daily  Meteor;  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Cleburne  Enterprise;  G.  W.  Rose,  Whites- 
boro  News;  J.  L.  Robinson,  Lexington  Herald;  A.  C.  Scurlock,  Cleburne  Chronicle; 
J.  D.  Shaw,  Waco  Independent  Pulpit;  Joe  J.  Taylor,  Clarksville  Times;  A.  C. 
Valdez,  San  Antonio  El  Heraldo ;  S.  M.  Vernon,  Comanche  Chief;  J.  V.  Watkins, 
Waco  Morning  News;  F.  B.  Baillio,  Alvarado  Bulletin;  S.  R.  Boyd,  Hubbard  City 
News;  Mrs.  C.  Bryarly,  Center  Champion  Press;  B.  L.  Cornwell,  Midlothian 
Argus;  M.  J.  Cox,  Rockwall  Register;  John  H.  Cullom,  Garland  News;  F.  Dore- 
mus,  Dallas  News;  Frank  Gaston,  Granbury  News;  Perry  Hawkins,  Taylor  Journal; 
R.  C.  Johnson,  Galveston  Opera  Glass;  W.  A.  Johnson,  Memphis  Herald;  A.  N. 

175 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Justiss,  Corsicana  Courier- Light ;  Mrs.  Olive  B.  Lee,  Dallas  Period;  D.  O.  Lively, 
Fort  Worth  Live  Stock  Journal;  Will  H.  Mayes,  Brownwood  Bulletin;  Mrs.  Isa- 
dore  Miner,  Dallas  News ;  R.  A.  Musgrove,  Sweetwater  Review ;  D.  J.  Moffitt, 
Pilot  Point  Post-Mirror;  W.  B.  Newton,  Vernon  Texan;  P.  H.  Pardue,  Waxa- 
hachie  Democrat;  E.  S.  Peters,  Calvert  Citizen-Democrat;  J.  G.  Rankin,  Brenham 
Banner;  F.  B.  Robinson,  Huntsville  Item;  W.  L.  Sargent,  Greenville  Headlight; 
E.  G.  benter,  Fort  Worth  Gazette;  W.  A.  Shaw,  Texas  Farmer,  Dallas;  Frank 
Vernon,  Cisco  Round-Up ;  J.  E.  Vernor,  Goldthwaite  Mountaineer;  F.  B.  Whipkey, 
West  Times ;  R.  Wilson,  Lockhart  Register. 

Announcement  was  made  that  the  Southwestern  Tele- 
graph and  Telephone  Company  had  placed  a  long  distance 
telephone  booth  in  the  Pacific  Hotel  for  the  free  use  of  the 
members  of  the  Association.  An  invitation  was  received 
from  Colonel  Parrott  insisting  that  the  members  visit  the 
Natatorium  and  bathe  free  of  charge.  John  M.  Connor,  on 
behalf  of  the  Citizen's  Railway  Company,  invited  the  Asso- 
ciation to  take  a  ride  over  its  lines  and  view  the  city.  W.  G. 
Cooper,  chief  of  the  department  of  promotion  of  the  Cotton 
States  International  Exposition  of  Atlanta,  Georgia,  extended 
an  invitation  to  visit  Atlanta  during  the  Exposition. 

Thanks  were  extended  for  all  these  courtesies,  and  for 
flowers  presented  by  E.  G.  Myers  of  Dallas  for  the  platform 
and  President's  stand. 

The  finance  committee  reported  $282.10  on  hand  after  all 
expenses  had  been  paid. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership: 

B.  F.  Oliver,  Farmersville  Times;  Edgar  Rye,  Graham  Register;  R.  R.  Lively, 
Colorado  City  Times;  Henry  Muller,  Brenham  Volksblattt ;  J.  F.  Crouch,  Killeen 
Herald. 

Having  asked  for  transportation  for  the  members  of  the 
Association  to  the  Confederate  Veterans'  Reunion  at  Hous- 
ton, President  Holland  had  the  following  telegram  read: 

"Dallas,  Texas,  May  16.— F.  P.  Holland,  care  J.  E.  Smith, 
Waco,  Texas :  In  your  message  this  morning  I  am  surprised 
that  you  even  asked  me  if  I  would  grant  the  courtesies  of  our 
line  to  the  press.  You  know  at  all  times,  as  president,  you 
can  talk  for  the  Katy.  Promise  them  anything  you  like  and 
I  will  fill  your  obligations.  Advise  me  how  many  will  go  to 
'  176 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Houston  and  I  will  send  transportation  to  our  agent  to  de- 
liver to  them  on  your  request. 

(Signed)     W.  G.  .CRUSH." 

On  motion  of  W.  A.  Shaw,  a  committee,  consisting  of 
C.  N.  Ousley,  W.  A.  Shaw,  F.  P.  Holland  and  R.  Wilson, 
was  appointed  to  draft  amendments  to  the  libel  law  and  re- 
port to  the  next  meeting  of  the  Association. 

The  following  telegram  from  the  State  Woman's  Chris- 
tian Temperance  Union,  in  session  at  Hillsboro,  was  received 
and  read : 

"Greeting :  Read  Proverbs  XXVI,  25 :  'As  cold  water 
to  a  thirsty  soul,  so  is  good  news  from  a  far  country.' " 

A  resolution  was  adopted  pledging  the  members  of  the 
Association  to  publish  a  notice  in  their  paper  calling  atten- 
tion to  the  needs  of  Rev.  W.  C.  Crawford  of  Alvarado,  the 
only  survivor  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Texas 
Independence. 

Frank  Doremus  made  a  talk  on  the  libel  law,  which  was 
freely  discussed. 

J.  T.  Trezevant,    president    of  the  Texas    State    Fair    and 
Dallas  Exposition,  stated  that  the  Fair  Association  desired 
to  offer  as  a  prize  a  handsome  gold  watch  and  chain,  or  a 
handsome  loving  cup,  as  the  winner  might  elect,  for  the  best 
article  or  essay  on  the  Texas  State  Fair;  competition  to  be 
open  to  all  newspaper  people,  men  or  women,   legitimately 
connected  with  the  press  of  Texas ;  the  articles  to  be  printed 
in  the  papers  with  which   the  writers  were   connected ;  the 
Texas  Press  Association  to  appoint  a  committee  of  three  of 
its  members  to  formulate  rules  as  to  the  length  of  the  articles 
and  the  time  of  closing  the  contest.     Following  Mr.  Treze- 
vant, Mrs.  S.  Isadore  Miner  addressed  the  convention  on  the 
subject  of  a  woman's  building  at  the  Dallas  Fair. 
The  following  officers  were  elected : 
President — W.    A.    Adair,    Marshall    Messenger; 
First  Vice  President — John  H.  Cullom,   Garland  News; 
Second  Vice  President — F.  B.  Baillio,  Alvarado  Bulletin; 

177 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Third   Vice    President— S.    M.   Vernon,    Comanche    Chief; 
Secretary— <W.    D.    Cox,    Temple    Tribune; 
(Treasurer— C.   F.   Lehmann,   Hallettsville    Herald. 
Executive    Committee: 

First  District — J.   L.   Robinson,   Lexington   Herald; 
'Second  District — T.  E.  Boren,  Carthage  Watchman; 
Third  Dilstrict — W.  L.  Sargent,  Greenville  Headlight; 
Fourth  District — Joe  J.  Taylor,  Clarksville  Times; 
Fifth  District — B.  C.  Murray,  Denison  Gazetteer; 
Sixth  District — J.   R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Cleburne  Enterprise; 
Seventh  District — J.  D.  Shaw,  Waco  Independent  Pulpit; 
Eighth  District — Frank  Gaston,   Granbury  News; 
Ninth   District— J.   G.   Rankin,   Brenham   Banner; 
Tenth  District — D.  L.  Beach,  Gonzales  Inquirer; 
Eleventh    District — W.   J.   Douglass,   Yoakum    Graphic; 
Twelfth    District — T.    B.   Johnson,    San    Antonio    Light; 
Thirteenth  District — 'R.  A.  Musgrove,  Sweetwater  Review. 
After  a  spirited  contest,  El  Paso  was  elected  as  the  next 
place  of  meeting,  over  Galveston,  Brenham,  Austin,  Green- 
ville, Fort  Worth  and  Tyler. 

W.  D.  Cox,  R.  M.  Johnston,  F.  B.  Robinson  and  C.  F. 
Lehmann  were  appointed  as  the  printing  committee. 

The  following  were  appointed  delegates  to  the  National 
Editorial  Association  to  be  held  at  Jacksonville,  Florida: 
Juan  S.  Hart,  Joe  J.  Taylor,  F.  B.  Baillio,  L.  Blaylock,  John 
H.  Cullom,  J.  D.  Shaw,  W.  J.  Douglas,  F.  P.  Holland,  R.  M. 
Johnston,  R.  Wilson,  B.  C.  Murray,  W.  D.  Cox,  E.  S.  Peters, 
R.  A.  Musgrove,  S.  M.  Vernon,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  R.  W. 
Martin,  Mrs.  Olive  B.  Lee,  W.  L.  Sargent,  A.  N.  Justiss, 
C.  F.  Lehmann,  F.  B.  Robinson,  A.  C.  Scurlock,  W.  A.  Shaw, 
H.  H.  Childers,  Frank  Vernon. 

The  following  offered  by  D.  O.  Lively  was  adopted: 
"That  the  Press  Association  of  Texas  looks  with  grow- 
ing disfavor  upon  what  is  useless  and  uncalled-for  political 
agitation  at  this  time,  as  tending  to  unsettle  business  condi- 
tions and  further  ward  off  the  present  near  approach  of  re- 
turning prosperity,  and  urge  upon  the  people  the  discussion 
of  methods  looking  toward  developing  the  resources  possess- 

178 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

ed  by  the  State,  rather  than  the  adjustment  of  national  and 
international  affairs  in  this,  an  off  year  in  politics." 

The  following  amendment  to  the  Constitution,  offered 
by  F.  B.  Baillio,  was  adopted: 

"Resolved,  That  Article  V  of  the  Constitution  be 
changed  to  read  as  follows: 

"The  officers  of  this  Association  shall  be  one  president, 
three  vice  presidents,  one  secretary,  one  assistant  secretary, 
one  treasurer,  one  executive  committee  to  be  composed  of 
one  member  from  each  congressional  district,  and  of  which 
the  president  shall  be  ex-officio  chairman  and  the  secretary 
and  treasurer  ex-officio  members.  These  shall  be  elected 
annually  by  the  Association,  except  the  executive  committee 
which  shall  be  appointed  by  the  president;  also,  except  the 
assistant  secretary  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  secretary. 
There  shall  also  be  chosen  at  each  annual  meeting  an  orator, 
an  essayist  and  a  poet,  whose  duties  it  shall  be  to  deliver 
and  read  at  the  next  annual  meeting  thereafter,  respectively 
an  oration,  an  essay  and  a  poem." 

Indorsement  of  the  Texas  State  Fair  was  reaffirmed  and 
the  disposition  of  the  members  of  the  Association  to  con- 
tinue their  assistance  toward  making  it  a  success  was  re- 
iterated. 

It  was  decided  to  attend  the  Cotton  States  Exposition 
at  Atlanta,  Georgia,  leaving  Waco,  or  some  other  central 
point,  about  October  7,  going  to  Mammoth  Cave,  Kentucky, 
for  one  day;  and  probably  to  Lookout  Mountain. 

The  following  offered  by  John  H.  Cullom  was  adopted: 

"That  the  Texas  Press  Association  is  in  hearty  sympathy 
with  the  movement  for  the  erection  of  a  woman's  building 
at  the  Texas  State  Fair  and  Dallas  Exposition,  and  the  Texas 
Press  Association  will  cheerfully  lend  assistance  and  en- 
couragement to  the  worthy  enterprise." 

Papers  were  read  by: 

W.  L.  Sargent  on  "The  Use  of  Plate  Matter;" 

179 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

F.  B.  Baillio  on  "How  Far  Can  Publishers  Go  in  Adver- 
tising the  Big  City  Weekly  in  Combination  with  Their  Own 
Papers  at  a  Reduced  Rate?" 

A.  C.  Scurlock  on  "Collecting  Subscriptions  and  Obtain- 
ing Renewals;" 

W.  A.  Adair  on  "How  to  Get  Advertising  That  Pays;" 

John  G.  Rankin  on  "The  Use  of  the  Scissors ;" 

W.  D.  Cox  on  "The  Country  Correspondent;" 

John  H.  Cullom  on  "The  Social  Feature  of  the  Press 
Association ;" 

Juan  H.  Hart  on  "Do  Personals  Pay?" 

Mrs.  R.  Wilson  on  "The  Editor's  Wife;" 

J.  T.  Trezevant  on  "The  Relation  of  Newspapers  and 
Fairs  to  the  Progress  and  Prosperity  of  the  Country." 

The  annual  oration,  "An  Educated,  Elevated  Journalistic 
Conscience,"  was  delivered  by  W.  A.  (Farmer)  Shaw.  Mrs. 
Virginia  Quitman  McNealus,  the  poetess,  wrote  regretting 
she  could  not  be.  present  to  read  the  annual  poem.  "The 
Texas  Editor"  was  the  subject  of  a  poem  read  by  Miss 
Minnie  Johnson. 

An  invitation  was  extended  the  National  Editorial  Asso- 
ciation to  hold  its  next  annual  convention  in  Texas ;  and  like- 
wise an  invitation  was  extended  the  National  People's  Party 
to  hold  its  convention  in  Dallas  in  1896. 

The  excursion  was  to  the  Confederate  Reunion  at  Hous- 
ton. 


180 


Seventeenth  Annual  Convention — 1896 


THE  seventeenth  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
Association  was  held  in  the  Opera  House  in  the  city  of 
El  Paso,  and  was  called  to  order  on  April  27,  1896,  by  Vice 
President  John  H.  Cullom  of  the  Garland  News,  the  Presi- 
dent, W.  A.  Adair  of  the  Marshall  Messenger,  having  moved 
out  of  the  State.  Rev.  George  M.  DuBoise  delivered  the 
invocation.  Mayor  R.  F.  Campbell  made  the  address  of 
welcome  on  behalf  of  the  city,  while  Hon.  T.  J.  Beall  wel- 
comed the  Association  in  behalf  of  the  citizens  of  El  Paso. 
The  response  to  the  addresses  of  welcome  was  by  President 
Cullom. 

The  following  responded  to  roll  call: 

F.  B.  Baillio,  Alvarado  Bulletin;  D.  L.  Beach,  Gonzales  Inquirer;  H.  W. 
Brown,  Glen  Rose  Herald ;  G.  W.  Coleman,  Henrietta  Independent ;  John  H. 
Cullom,  Garland  News ;  Mrs.  Fannie  Culmore,  Houston  Daily  Press ;  C.  W. 
Gordon,  Franklin  Central  Texan;  T.  S.  Hamilton,  Italy  News;  Perry  Haw- 
kins, Taylor  Journal;  F.  P.  Holland,  Texas  Farm  and  Ranch;  W.  A.  John- 
son, Memphis  Herald ;  A.  N.  Justiss,  Corsicana  Light ;  C.  F.  Lehmann, 
Hallettsville  Herald;  B.  C.  Murray,  Denison  Gazetteer;  J.  L.  McCaleb,  Car- 
rizo  Springs  Javelin ;  John  E.  McFarland,  Jacksonville  Banner ;  Eugene 
Moore,  Stephenville  Empire;  W.  C.  O'Bryan,  McGregor  Observer;  Clarence 
N.  Ousley,  Galveston  Tribune;  Will  C.  Perry,  Ennis  Daily  Meteor;  J.  G. 
Rankin,  Brenham  Banner;  Lee  J.  Rountree,  Kyle  Star- Vindicator ;  Fred  B.  Rob- 
inson, Huntsville  Item ;  J.  D.  Shaw,  Waco  Independent  Pulpit ;  Joe  J.  Taylor, 
Clarksville  Times;  Frank  Vernon,  Cisco  Round-Up;  S.  M.  Vernon,  Comanche 
Chief;  D.  W.  Barnhill,  Uvalde  News;  W.  P.  Blake,  Clarendon  Industrial  WestjW. 
J.  Buie,  Waxahachie  Enterprise;  W.  D.  Cox,  Temple  Tribune;  Charles  Culmore, 
Houston  Daily  Press;  S.  P.  Evans,  Van  Alstyne  News;  W.  E.  Gilliland,  Baird 
Star;  J.  S.  Hart,  El  Paso  Times;  John  Hoeny,  Jr.,  Abilene  Reporter;  R.  C. 
Johnson,  Galveston  Opera  Glass ;  J.  O.  Jones,  Waxahachie  Light ;  Mrs.  Olive 
B.  Lee,  Dallas  Period;  Mrs.  Isadora  Miner,  Dallas  News;  J.  G.  Murphy,  San 
Angelo  Standard ;  L.  A.  McCollister,  Gordon  Courier ;  R.  A.  Musgrove,  Sweet- 
water  Review;  W.  H.  Neel,  Dublin  Leader;  W.  H.  Orr,  El  Campo  Eagle;  P. 
H.  Pardue,  Waxahachie  Democrat;  E.  S.  Peters,  Calvert  Citizen-Democrat;  Henry 
Reese,  Jr.,  Gonzales  Inquirer;  J.  T.  Robinson,  Kosse  Cyclone;  W.  L.  Sargent, 
Greenville  Headlight ;  H.  J.  Strickfaden,  Henrietta  Herald ;  Rosser  Thomas,  Ladonia 
News;  A.  C.  Valdez,  San  Antonio  El  Heraldo ;  F.  B.  Whipkey,  West  Times. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed : 
Membership — R.    A.    Musgrove,    Frank    Vernon,    H.    J. 
Strickfaden,  E.  S.  Peters,  Perry  Hawkins ; 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Resolutions — Fred  B.  Robinson,  S.  M.  Vernon,  Will  C. 
Perry,  W.  A.  Johnson,  Lee  J.  Rountree; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — J.  B.  Hearst,  A.  N.  Justiss, 
F.  B.  Baillio,  W.  C.  O'Bryan,  Joe  J.  Taylor; 

Revision  of  Roll— Frank  P.  Holland,  W.  J.  Buie,  S.  P. 
Evans,  T.  H.  Napier,  J.  W.  Crayton; 

Finance — B.  C.  Murray,  J.  G.  Rankin,  Rosser  Thomas, 
J.  T.  Robinson,  H.  W.  Brown ; 

Memorial— R.  C.  Johnson,  T.  C.  McFarland,  A.  C. 
Valdez  and  J.  D.  Shaw. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership: 

T.  H.  Napier,  Mineola  Monitor;  Jasper  Collins,  Carthage  Watchman;  Miss 
Pearl  Vogel,  Velasco  Times;  M.  R.  Andrews,  Abilene  News;  E.  M.  Dodson, 
Garrison  Signal;  J.  M.  Hawkins,  El  Paso  Herald;  A.  B.  Norton,  Jr.,  Dallas 
Intelligencer;  J.  C.  Welch,  Ladonia  Times;  W.  R.  Watts,  Belden  Monitor;  Aaron 
Smith,  Mount  Pleasant  Review ;  J.  H.  Lowry,  Honey  Grove  Signal ;  W.  E. 
Edwards,  Henrietta  Review;  J.  A.  Escajeda,  El  Paso  Heraldo ;  J.  T.  Bullock, 
Roby  Banner;  J.  E.  Shook,  Rusk  News. 

The  following  communication  was  read,  ordered  incor- 
porated in  the  minutes  and  the  "young  lady"  was  duly  elected 
to  honorary  membership : 

"Among  our  membership  we  have  long  counted  a  young 
man  of  whom  we  may  well  feel  proud.  Master  Adair  Cox 
has  brightened  the  T.  P.  A.  meetings  with  his  presence  for 
several  years.  We  have  at  the  present  meeting,  also,  be- 
sides this  specimen  of  rising  young  America,  a  very  sweet 
embodiment  of  the  'New  Woman'  in  Miss  Myrtle  Vernon, 
the  bright  little  six-months-old  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Frank  Vernon.  The  young  lady  attracted  no  little  attention 
by  her  progressiveness  in  attending  the  last  National  Press 
Association  in  Florida,  and  for  her  splendid  behavior  on  the 
trip.  She  has  endeared  herself  by  her  sunny  disposition  to 
every  member  on  the  trip  over  the  Texas  &  Pacific,  and  we, 
the  undersigned,  ask  that  honorary  membership  be  extended 
to  the  first  'New  Woman'  who .  has  been  known  to  behave 
herself.  With  the  best  wishes  for  regular  membership  later 
on,  S.  Isadore  Miner,  F.  B.  Baillio." 

182 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Greenville  was  elected  over  Hot  Springs  as  the  next 
place  of  meeting. 

F.  P.  Holland,  Fred  B.  Robinson  and  Lee  J.  Rountree 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  investigate  charges  made  by 
the  railroads  against  members  for  failing  to  carry  out 'adver- 
tising contracts  for  transportation.  The  committee  made  the 
following  report: 

"We,  your  committee  appointed  to  investigate  that  por- 
tion of  the  secretary's  report  with  regard  to  the  letter  from 
Mr.  L.  J.  Parks,  of  the  Southern  Pacific  Railroad,  stating 
that  some  members  had  not  carried  out  the  terms  of  the 
contract,  would  say  that  we  find  under  a  resolution  passed 
at  the  Fort  Worth  meeting  that  there  was  no  authority  to 
contract  for  an  excursion  in  the  name  of  this  Association; 
but  we  believe  that  all  such  contracts  should  have  been 
faithfully  carried  out  and  would  faithfully  recommend  that 
this  matter  be  sifted  to  the  bottom  and  the  secretary  be 
instructed  to  correspond  with  Mr.  Parks  and  learn  from 
him  the  names  of  all  such  members  and  report  to  this  Asso- 
ciation at  its  next  meeting  that  we  may  take  such  action  as 
will  demonstrate  that  this  Association  will  not  tolerate  any 
dishonorable  acts  on  the  part  of  its  members." 

A  resolution  was  adopted  expressing  pleasure  that  the 
National  Editorial  Association  would  hold  its  next  annual 
convention  at  Galveston ;  and,  it  being  suggested  that  a  re- 
freshment car  be  prepared  to  meet  the  National  Editorial 
specials  with  refreshments  on  their  arrival  in  Texas,  a  sub- 
scription was  taken  and  a  neat  sum  realized  to  carry  out  the 
plan. 

A  feature  of  this  convention  was  the  lavish  entertain- 
ment of  the  members  of  the  Association,  both  by  the  city 
and  citizens  of  El  Paso  and  by  the  Mexican  officials  in  the 
city  of  Juarez,  where  neither  pains  nor  expense  were  spared, 
nor  cordiality  in  the  least  wanting. 

183 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  following  officers  were  elected. 

President — F.    B.    Baillio,   Cleburne    Review; 

First  Vice  President — S.   M.  Vernon,   Comanche   Chief; 

Second   Vice   President — John    G.   Ran-kin.    Brenham   Banner; 

Third   Vice    President — W.   L.   Sargent,   Greenville   News; 

Secretary— W.   D.  Cox,  Temple  Tribune; 

Treasurer — C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald. 

Executive   Committee: 

First  District — R.   M.  Johnston,  Houston  Post; 

Second    District — J.    E.    McFarland,    Jacksonville    Banner; 

Third    District— E.    W.    Harris,    Greenville    Herald; 

Fourth   District — Joe  J.  Taylor,  Clarksville  Times; 

Fifth.  District — B.    C.    Murray,    Denison    Gazetteer; 

Sixth  District — John  H.  Cullom,  Garland  News; 

Seventh    District — W.    C.    O'Bryan,    McGregor    Observer; 

Eighth    District — Eugene    Moore,    Stephenville    Empire; 

Ninth   District — Perry   Hawkins,   Taylor  Journal; 

Tenth  District — Clarence  Ousley,  Galveston  Tribune; 

Eleventh   District— D.   W.   Barnhill,  Uvalde   News; 

Twelfth  District — A.  C.  Valdez,  San  Antonio  El  Heraldo; 

Thirteenth  District — W.  A.  Johnson,  Memphis  Herald. 

John  H.  Cullom,  retiring  president,  having  served  as 
president  for  almost  the  entire  year,  filling  out  the  term  of 
W.  A.  Adair  who  had  been  elected  president  but  had  left 
the  State,  was  declared  to  be  entitled  to  all  the  honors  of  the 
position  "just  the  same  as  if  he  had  been  elected  president 
in  the  first  place,"  and  was  made  a  life  member  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. 

The  following  resolution  signed  by  C.  F.  Lehmann  and 
F.  B.  Baillio  was  adopted,  and  the  secretary  was  instructed 
to  send  a  copy  of  same  to  the  two  senators  and  every  con- 
gressman from  Texas : 

"Recognizing  the  friendly  relations  that  exist  at  El  Paso 
between  the  Americans  of  that  city  and  the  Mexicans  of  the 
city  of  Juarez,  and  learning  that  the  earliest  inhabitants  of 
the  Rio  Grande  valley  placed  their  homes  upon  its  banks 
near  these  cities,  we  deprecate  the  injustice  done  to  these 
citizens  of  two  republics,  who  for  centuries  have  used  the 

184 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

waters  of  the  Rio  Grande,  and  are  today  deprived  of  them 
by  newly  acquired  water  rights  in  the  north ;  and  the  Texas 
Press  Association  pledges  itself  to  use  its  influence  to  have 
an  international  dam  erected  across  the  Rio  Grande ;  and 
that  our  Texas  delegation  in  Congress  be  requested  to  use 
all  honorable  means  in  securing  the  necessary  appropria- 
tion for  the  erection  of  said  dam." 

An  abstract  of  the  program  of  this  meeting  shows 
papers  read  as  follows : 

F.  B.  Baillio,  "Ready  Prints  and  Plate  Matter;"  Mrs. 
W.  D.  Cox,  "The  Press  Bulletin;"  Mrs.  Fred  B.  Robinson, 
"An  Editor's  Wife  on  the  Pay  Roll."  The  annual  poem, 
"The  Editor  Up-to-Date,"  was  read  by  Mrs.  Isadore  Miner. 
J.  D.  Shaw  who  was  to  deliver  the  annual  oration  excused 
himself.  The  excursion  was  to  the  City  of  Mexico. 


Eighteenth  Annual  Convention — 1897 


'"HHE  eighteenth  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
A  Association  was  called  to  order  by  President  F.  B.  Baillio 
of  the  Cleburne  Review  in  Greenville,  May  11,  1897.  The 
invocation  was  by  Rev.  E.  H.  Casey,  pastor  of  the  Kava- 
naugh  Methodist  Church.  The  address  of  welcome  was  de- 
livered by  Hon.  B.  F.  Looney  and  was  responded  to  by 
President  Baillio.  There  appears  to  have  been  a  call  of  the 
roll  but  no  record  was  made  of  those  responding. 

The  president  delivered  his  annual  address,  saying: 

"In  the  order  of  business  prescribed  by  the  Constitution 
for  our  annual  meetings,  an  address  by  the  retiring  presi- 
dent is  provided  for.  I  have  decided  that  it  woujd  be  best 
to  make  that  address  at  the  beginning,  rather  than  at  the 
close  of  the  convention,  that  you  might  be  given  an  oppor- 
tunity to  take  such  action  as  you  may  deem  best  on  any 
suggestion  I  might  offer." 

The  president's  address  was,  on  motion  of  W.  D.  Cox, 
referred  to  a  committee  consisting  of  F.  P.  Holland,  C.  F. 
Lehmann  and  W.  A.  Johnson. 

The   following  committees  were   appointed : 

Finance — W.  A.  Johnson,  Sam  Vernon,  Frank  Vernon, 
M.  J.  Cox,  E.  G.  Senter ; 

Necrology— E.  W.  Harris,  Ben  F.  Oliver,  L.  A.  Mc- 
Collister,  Mrs.  W.  D.  Cox; 

Membership— Perry  Hawkins,  R.  Wilson,  F.  B.  Robin- 
son; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — John  H.  Cullom,  Dr.  H. 
Manson,  Will  H.  Mayes,  Mrs.  Olive  B.  Lee,  F.  C.  Thomp- 
son; 

Resolutions— F.  P.  Holland,  Robt.  Carver,  B.  C.  Murray, 
T.  H.  Napier,  C.  F.  Lehmann; 

186 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Revision  of  Roll — Eugene  Moore,  Jasper  Collins,  J.  R. 
Ransone,  Jr.,  I.  V.  Jolly,  P.  H.  Pardue. 

On  motion  of  F.  P.  Holland,  the  Woman's  Press  Asso- 
ciation, which  was  also  in  session  in  Greenville,  was  invited 
to  hold  a  joint  session  in  the  evening  with  the  Texas  Press 
Association.  W.  H.  Mayes  and  S.  M.  Vernon  were  appointed 
to  convey  this  invitation. 

The  Southwestern  Telegraph  and  Telephone  Company 
was  thanked  for  the  offer  of  its  lines  free  to  the  members 
of  the  Association. 

A  resolution  by  John  H.  Cullom  was  adopted  expressing 
deep  sorrow  at  the  dangerous  illness  of  Senator  Richard  Coke 
and  extending  sympathy  to  him  and  his  family  in  their 
sorrow  and  anxiety. 

The  resolution  offered  by  Frank  P.  Holland  was  adopted, 
providing  for  the  election  of  a  general  attorney,  at  this  and 
all  future  annual  conventions,  to  act  as  counsel  for  the 
president,  the  executive,  the  legislative  and. other  committees 
of  the  Association,  in  any  matter  or  matters  requiring  legal 
advice  or  attention,  without  named  compensation ;  and  that 
the  members  of  the  Association  are  requested  to  publish 
briefly  the  card  of  said  attorney  and,  whenever  they  may 
require  the  services  of  an  attorney  for  foreign  business,  to 
place  such  matters  in  his  hands  at  the  usual  fees. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

John  M.  Weekly,  Milford  Courier;  W.  M.  Cobb,  Smithville  Transcript;  Thomas 
B.  Lusk,  Italy  Herald;  Lee  H.  Frazier,  Conroe,  Our  Schools;  F.  T.  Roche, 
Georgetown  Sun ;  Ernst  Goethe,  Schulenberg  Sticker ;  W.  N.  Fury,  Paris  Advocate. 

Papers  were  read  as  follows :  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  "The 
Business  End  of  a  Country  Newspaper;"  Mrs.  Allie  Wilson, 
"Flaws  in  the  Modern  Daily;"  M.  J.  Cox,  "The  Woman 
Editor's  Husband ;"  Mrs.  Isadore  Miner  (for  Mrs.  B.  N. 
Taylor  of  Austin) ,  "Essentials  to  Literary  Success ;"  Mrs. 
M.  R.  Walton,  "The  Woman's  Press;"  Mrs.  J.  R.  Ransone, 
Jr.,  "The  Newspaper  As  An  Educator;"  F.  B.  Robinson, 
"Foreign  Advertising."  "The  Amenities  of  Journalism" 

187 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

was  the  subject  of  the  annual  essay,  by  Will  H.  Mayes. 
The  following  officers  were  elected : 
President — S.   !M.   Vernon,    Comanche    Chief; 
First    Vice    President — John    G.    Rankin,    Brenham    Banner; 
Second  Vice  President — Will   H.   Mayes,   Brownwood   Bulletin; 
Third   Vice    President — R.    Wilson,    Lockhart    Register; 
Secretary— Will    H.    Neel,    Dublin    Telephone; 
Treasurer — C.   F.   Lehmann,   Hallettsville   Herald; 
Attorney — E.   G.  -Senter,   Dallas. 
Executive  Committee: 

First  District — F.  B.  Robinson,  Huntsville  Item; 
Second   District — J.    E.    McFarland,   Jacksonville    Banner; 
Third  District— T.   H.   Napier,  Winnsboro   Wide-Awake; 
Fourth    District— Joe   J.   Taylor,   Clarksville   Times; 
Fifth    District — B.    C.    Murray,    Denison    Gazetteer; 
Sixth  District — M.  J.   Cox,  Forney  Tribune; 
Seventh  District — W.    D.    Cox,   Temple   Tribune; 
Eighth   District — D.   O.   Lively,   Fort  Worth   Reporter; 
Ninth    District — Perry   Hawkins.   Taylor   Journal; 
Tenth    District — D.   L.   Beach,   Gonzales   Inquirer; 
Eleventh   District— D.  W.   Barnhi'.ll,  Uvalde   News; 
Twelfth  District— W.  A.  Guthrie,  San  Angelo  Standard; 
Thirteenth    District— W.    E.    Gilliland,    Baird    Star. 
It  was  determined,  on  motion  of  F.  P.  Holland,  that  a 
special  meeting  of  the  Association  be  held  in  Dallas  during 
the  Texas  State  Fair ;  and  the  president  and  executive  com- 
mittee were  instructed  to  prepare  a  program   for  the  meet- 
ing fully  thirty  days  in  advance  of  the  date   fixed   for  that 
convocation.     A  motion  by  Frank  Vernon  that  in  the  future 
life   members   be   required   to   pay   dues   was   adopted.      The 
election   of   the   next  place   of   meeting  was   postponed   until 
the  special  meeting  set  by  the  Holland  resolution  to  meet  in 
Dallas  during  the  Fair. 

The  Woman's  Press  Association  held  a  joint  meeting 
with  the  Texas  Press  Association,  the  presidents  of  both 
bodies  being  seated  together  on  the  platform. 

Memorial  services  were  held,  the  principal  feature  being 
the  eulogy  by  E.  G.  Senter  on  the  life  and  character  of 
former  President  J.  F.  Mitchell,  deceased. 

188 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  excursion  was  to  Eureka  Springs,  Arkansas ;  Tenn- 
essee Centennial  at  Nashville,  and  to  the  Mammoth  Cave, 
Kentucky. 

DALLAS  MEETING. 

The  Association  met  in  Dallas  in  response  to  the  call 
of  President  S.  M.  Vernon  and  was  called  to  order  in  the  City 
Hall  Oct.  29,  1897.  Mayor  Bryan  T.  Barry  welcomed  the 
body  and  President  Vernon  responded. 

It  was  decided  to  hold  the  next  annual  convention  at 
Eureka  Springs,  Arkansas,  at  the  same  time  as  the  Missouri 
and  Arkansas  Press  Associations.  A  committee  consisting 
of  W.  D.  Cox,  F.  B.  Baillio,  D.  O.  Lively,  Will  H.  Mayes, 
B.  C.  Murray,  S.  M.  Vernon  and  Will  H.  Neel,  was  appointed 
to  visit  Eureka  Springs  and  confer  with  like  committees  from 
the  Arkansas  and  Missouri  Associations  and  arrange  for  a 
tri-state  meeting. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

J.    W.   Johnson,    Longview   Times-Clarion ;    S.    R.    Cowan,    Lockhart    Phonograph ; 
Miss    Loutie    Harrison,    Childress    Bnclpet;     C.     W.     Rideout,     Piano    Star. 

The  committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws  submitted 
the  following,  which  was  adopted : 

"1.  Amend  Section  5  of  the  by-laws  by  adding:  'and 
the  secretary  shall  notify  such  member  of  such  suspension, 
and  upon  payment  of  all  dues  within  one  year  such  member 
may  be  re-instated/ 

"2.  That  Section  19  be  added  to  the  by-laws,  as  follows : 
'Section  19:  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  secretary,  under 
direction  of  the  printing  committee,  to  supervise  the  print- 
ing of  the  minutes  and  to  distribute  same  to  the  members  as 
early  after  each  session  of  the  Association  as  practicable, 
and  not  later  than  three  months  after  such  session.' 

"3.    That  Section  20  be  added  to  the  by-laws,  as  follows : 

'Section  20:  At  each  annual  session  there  shall  be 
appointed  by  the  president  a  committee  on  legislation,  whose 

189 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

duty  it  shall  be  to  inform  themselves  and  keep  the  members 
of  the  Association  advised  of  any  pending  or  impending- 
legislation  in  which  the  craft  may  be  specially  interested.'  " 

The  committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws  further 
advised  the  appointment  of  an  official  (special)  committee  on 
Constitution  and  By-Laws  to  revise  the  same  and  report  at 
the  next  regular  meeting. 

As  the  legislative  committee  provided  by  Section  20 
of  the  by-laws,  the  President  appointed  E.  G.  Senter,  T.  H. 
Napier,  H.  W.  Manson,  J.  E.  McFarland  and  F.  B.  Robinson. 

The  following  were  appointed  as  delegates  to  the  Na- 
tional Editorial  Association :  F.  B.  Baillio,  C.  F.  Lehmann, 
Frank  P.  Holland,  E.  W.  Harris,  Clarence  Ousley,  R.  B. 
Lockhart,  Mrs.  Olive  B.  Lee.  Alternates:  T.  B.  Johnson, 
Will  C.  Perry,  N.  A.  Cravens,  Juan  S.  Hart,  A.  N.  Justiss, 
H.  P.  Jones,  J,  D.  Shaw. 


190 


Nineteenth  Annual  Convention — 1898 


r  I  ^HE  nineteenth  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
•1  Association  was  called  to  order  in  the  Masonic  Temple 
in  Eureka  Springs,  Arkansas,  by  President  S.  M.  Vernon, 
May  25,  1898.  The  invocation  was  by  Rev.  I.  V.  Jolly, 
editor  of  the  Hubbard  City  (Texas)  Church  and  Home. 
The  call  of  the  roll  was  dispensed  with,  so  it  is  impossible 
to  give  the  names  of  those  in  attendance. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed : 

Membership— W.  D.  Cox,  T.  H.  Napier,  P.  H.  Pardue ; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — F.  B.  Baillio,  Will  H.  Mayes, 
J.  G.  Rankin; 

Resolutions — F.  B.  Robinson,  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Mrs.  W. 
D.  Cox,  W.  E.  Gilliland ; 

Revision  of  Roll — J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  W.  A.  Johnson, 
Charles  Culmore; 

Finance— W.  C.  Perry,  I.  V.  Jolly,  W.  M.  Cobb,  D.  S. 
Mayes ; 

Memorial — N.  A.  Cravens,  M.  J.  Cox,  Miss  Lottie  Har- 
rison. 

A  motion  was  adopted  that  the  button  distributed  at 
this  meeting,  bearing  the  Lone  Star  of  Texas  flag  with  the 
words  "Texas  Press  Association,"  be  adopted  as  the  official 
badge  of  the  Association. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

C.     E.    Gilmore,    Wills    Point    Chronicle;     A.     H.     Freeman,     Grandview     Graphic; 
Edwin     D.    Dunlap,     Meridian     Tribune ;     E.     C.     Lewis,     Forney    Tribune. 

W.  D.  Cox  offered  the  following,  which  was  adopted : 
"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association  recognizes 
the  splendid  work  being  done  by  the  Women's  Federation  of 
Clubs  in  Texas  in  their  efforts  to  establish  free  State  Li- 
braries in  Texas,  and  we  highly  commend  the  movement  and 
promise  the  work  our  hearty  co-operation  and  support." 

191 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws  submitted 
the  following,  which  was  adopted  ^ 

"That  Article  XIII  of  the  Constitution  be  so  amended 
as  to  read  as  follows : 

"At  each  annual  meeting  there  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
president-elect  a  committee  on  legislation  whose  duty  it  shall 
be  to  inform  themselves  and  keep  the  Association  advised 
of  any  pending  or  impending  legislation  in  which  the  craft 
may  be  specially  interested ;  to  correspond  with  the  secre- 
taries'of  the  different  State  press  associations  with  a  view 
of  ascertaining  the  laws,  if  any,  on  the  statute  books  of  their 
States  in  regard  to  public  printing,  and  such  legislation 
on  that  subject  as  may  be  impending.  And  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  said  committee. to  make  its  reports  to  the  Associa- 
tion annually  in  writing." 

(See  Section  20,  added  to  by-laws  at  the  Dallas  session 
of  preceding  annual  convention). 

A  communication  was  read  from  Miss  Fannie  Love 
Loughery  who  had  written  a  book  of  poems,  entitled 
"Pleasant  Thoughts,"  and  dedicated  to  the  Texas  Press 
Association.  The  following  resolution  in  regard  to  the  young 
lady's  elegant  tribute  was  offered  by  Will  H.  Mayes  and 
adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association  appre- 
ciates the  compliment  paid  it  by  Fannie  Love  Loughery, 
daughter  of  our  reverend  late  member,  Colonel  R.  W. 
Loughery,  in  dedicating  the  little  booklet,  'Pleasant 
Thoughts,'  to  this  Association ;  and,  in  token  of  our  appre- 
ciation, will  use  our  individual  efforts  to  assist  in  circulat- 
ing this  little  volume  of  gems." 

The  following  was  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association  heartily 
indorses  the  Texas  State  Fair  as  an  institution  all  Texas 
should  be  proud  of,  and  pledges  it  the  same  hearty  co- 

192 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

operation  and  support  always  extended  it  by  the  Texas 
press  in  the  past." 

The  Association  was  honored  during  one  of  its  sessions 
by  a  visit  from  the  Missouri  Press  Association,  and  the  two 
organizations  fraternized  and  spent  a  pleasant  time  together. 
During  the  convention,  a  joint  meeting  of  the  Arkansas, 
Missouri  and  Texas  Press  Associations  was  held  and  a 
program,  prepared  specially  for  the  occasion,  was  carried 
out.  Throughout  the  entire  time  of  the  convention,  there 
were  interchanges  of  visits  between  the  associations  and 
the  members  of  the  different  associations,  an  interchange 
of  courtesies,  and  a  splendid  spirit  of  fraternity  manifested, 
all  of  which  made  this  a  meeting  long  to  be  remembered. 

The  annual  oration  was  delivered  by  Judge  N.  A.  Cravens 
as  substitute  for  W.  A.  Shaw,  the  orator  elect,  who  failed 
to  attend  this  convention. 

The  following  read  papers  on  the  themes  following 
their  respective  names : 

Miss  Loutie  Harrison — "How  a  Woman  Runs  a  Paper;" 

T.  H.  Napier — "Yellow  Journalism;" 

W.  A.  Johnson — "The  Duties  of  the  Press  to  the  Public ;" 

F.  B.  Robinson— "The  Duties  of  the  Public  to  the  Press." 

The  secretary  was  instructed  by  resolution,  offered  by 
T.  H.  Napier,  to  begin  negotiations  as  early  as  possible  for 
a  tri-state  meeting  of  the  press  associations  of  Arkansas, 
Missouri  and  Texas  to  be  held  in  some  central  Texas  city 
during  the  year  1900. 

The  following  officers  were  elected : 
President — John    G.    Rankin,    Brenham    Banner; 
First  Vice   President — Will   H.   Mayes,   Brownwood   Bulletin; 
Second   Vice   President — F.    B.    Robinson,    Huntsville    Item; 
Third  Vice  President — T.  H.  Napier,  Winnsboro  Wide-Awake; 
Secretary— Will   H.  Neel,  Dublin  Telephone; 
Treasurer — C.   F.   Lehmann,   Hallettsville   Herald; 
Attorney— E.  G.  Senter,  Dallas. 

193 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Executive  Committee: 

First    District — N.   A.    Cravens,   Willis    Index; 
Second    District — J.    E.    McFarland,   Jacksonville    Banner; 
Third    District— E.    W.    Harris,    Greenville    Herald; 
Fourth    District — Joe    J.    Taylor,    Clarksville    Times; 
Fifth   District — B.    C.    Murray,    Denison    Gazetteer; 
Sixth  District — -M.  J.  Cox,   Forney  Tribune; 
Seventh   District— W.   D.   Cox,  Temple  Tribune; 
Eighth   District — D.   O.   Lively,   Fort  Worth   Reporter; 
Ninth    District — Perry    Hawkins,    Taylor    Journal; 
Tenth   District — D.  L.   Beach,   Gonzales   Inquirer; 
Eleventh  District — D.  W.   Barnhill,  Uvalde   News; 
Twelfth  District — W.  A.  Guthrie,  San  Angelo  Standard. 
Legislative   Committee— T.   H.   Napier,   W.   E.   Gilliland, 
F.  B.  Baillio; 

Printing  Committee — S.  M.  Vernon,  Will  H.  Mayes,  Will 
H.  Neel,  Frank  Vernon. 

Delegates  to  the  National  Editorial  Association — S.  M. 
Vernon,  F.  B.  Baillio,  C.  F.  Lehmann,  B.  C.  Murray,  E.  W. 
Harris,  Will  H.  Mayes,  N.  A.  Cravens.  Alternates:  A.  H. 
Freeman,  T.  H.  Napier,  Frank  Vernon,  Will  C.  Perry,  Miss 
Loutie  Harrison,  W.  M.  Cobb,  J.  M.  Weekly. 

Cleburne  was  elected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting  and 
the  excursion  was  to  Denver  and  other  Colorado  points. 


194 


Twentieth  Annual  Convention — 1899 


THE  twentieth  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
Association  was  held  in  the  City  Hall  in  Dallas,  and 
was  called  to  order  by  President  John  G.  Rankin,  May  18, 
1899.  Rev.  George  C.  Rankin  of  the  Texas  Christian  Advo- 
cate invoked  Divine  guidance.  The  address  of  welcome  was 
delivered  by  Mayor  John  H.  Traylor  and  was  responded  to 
by  President  Rankin  on  behalf  of  the  Association. 

On  motion  of  T.  H.  Napier,  the  secretary  was  instructed 
to  telegraph  the  condolence  of  the  Association  to  First  Vice 
President,  Will  H.  Mayes  of  the  Brownwood  Bulletin,  in  the 
death  of  his  wife,  which  sad  event  occurred  on  the  12th  day 
of  May,  six  days  before  this  meeting. 

The  following  members  responded  to  call  of  the  roll: 

W.  A.  Adair,  Marshall  Messenger;  L.  Blaylock,  Texas  Christian  Advocate; 
M.  J.  Cox,  Forney  Messenger;  A.  H.  Freeman,  Grandview  Graphic;  C.  E.  Gil- 
inore,  Wills  Point  Chronicle ;  E.  W.  Harris,  Greenville  Herald ;  Frank  P.  Holland, 
Farm  and  Ranch;  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Cleburne  Enterprise;  F.  T.  Roche,  George- 
town Sun ;  W.  A.  Johnson,  Hall  County  Herald ;  A.  N.  Justiss,  Corsicana  Courier- 
Light ;  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald;  H.  W.  Manson,  Rockwall  Success; 
Mrs.  S.  Isadore  Miner,  Dallas  News;  J.  L.  McCaleb,  Carrizo  Springs  Javelin; 
T.  H.  Napier,  Winnsboro  Wide-Awake;  W.  A.  Shaw,  Texas  Farmer,  Dallas;  F. 
B.  Baillio,  Cleburne  Review;  John  H.  Cullom,  Garland  News;  W.  C.  Easterling, 
Del  Rio  Record;  W.  E.  Gilliland,  Baird  Star;  Miss  L-outie  Harrison,  Childress 
Budget ;  Perry  Hawkins,  Taylor  Journal ;  G.  C.  Rankin,  Texas  Christian  Advo- 
cate; F.  B.  Robinson,  Huntsville  Item;  E.  G.  Senter,  Dallas;  I.  V.  Jolly,  Italy 
Church  and  Home ;  Mrs.  Olive  B.  Lee;  Dallas  Period ;  T.  B.  Lusk,  Italy  News- 
Herald ;  D.  S.  Mayes,  Whitney  Messenger;  B.  C.  Murray,  Denison  Gazetteer; 
Eugene  Moore,  Stephenville  Empire;  W.  H.  Neel,  Dublin  Telephone;  Aaron  Smith, 
Mount  Pleasant  Times-Review ;  Frank  Vernon,  Cisco  Round-Up ;  W.  M.  Warlick, 
Dallas  Presbyterian;  S.  M.  Vernon,  Comanche  Chief;  J.  M.  Weekly,  Milford 
Courier. 

On  motion  of  F.  B.  Baillio,  the  initiation  fee  was  re- 
duced from  ten  dollars  to  five  dollars. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed : 
Constitution  and  By-Laws — W.  E.  Gilliland,  Frank  Ver- 
non ;  R.  W.  Martin ; 

Finance — W.  A.  Adair,  W.  A.  Johnson,  Perry  Hawkins; 

195 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Revision  of  Roll — C.  F.  Lehmann,  John  M.  Weekly, 
A.  N.  Justiss; 

Membership — S.  M.  Vernon,  F.  T.  Roche,  Eugene  Moore, 
H.  W.  Manson,  C.  N.  Ousley ; 

Resolutions— F.  B.  Baillio,  B.  C.  Murray,  T.  H.  Napier; 

Necrology— E.  W.  Harris,  E.  G.  Senter,  A.  H.  Freeman. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

C.  I.  Boyntcn,  Llano  Times;  S.  J.  Thomas,  Comanche  Chief;  M.  L.  P>ixler, 
Beaumont  Enterprise ;  G.  J.  Palmer,  Houston  Post ;  T.  O.  Walker,  Fort  Worth 
Register;  George  B.  Dealey,  Dallas  News;  Gayle  Talbot,  Slidell  Courier;  W.  M. 
Thompson,  Itasca  Mail ;  J.  W.  Bailey,  Denton  News ;  John  J.  Switzer,  De  Leon 
Free  Press ;  E.  J.  Parker,  Allen  Advocate ;  W.  L.  Wilson,  Cisco  Apert ;  Ben 
C.  Taber,  Dallas  Southern  Home;  Mrs.  R.  W.  Martin,  Gatesville  Messenger; 
H.  B.  Ballew,  Honey  Grove  Crescent;  D.  D.  Walls,  Dallas  Stock  and  Farm 
Journal ;  C.  W.  Holt,  Dallas  Stock  and  Farm  Journal ;  G.  C.  Rankin,  Texas 
Christian  Advocate ;  M.  L.  Sammons,  Texas  Trade  Review ;  B.  R.  Haughton, 
Canyon  City  Battle  Ship;  J.  P.  Chambless,  Ennis  News;  E.  A.  Thompson, 
Denison  Herald ;  Fred  Chase,  Galveston  Tribune ;  I.  N.  Rogers,  Jacksboro  Gazette ; 
Ira  W.  Hall,  Brownwood  News;  W.  M.  Reilly,  Denton  Record  and  Chronicle; 
Ashley  Evans,  Bonham  News;  J.  M.  Dunn,  Sulphur.  Springs  Gazette;  L.  J- 
Reynolds,  Sherman  Register;  H.  C.  Hensel,  Western  Newspaper  Union;  Corbin 
Johnson,  Denton  Record  and  Chronicle;  V.  W.  Gfubbs,  Greenville  Headlight;  D. 
W.  Campbell,  Hillsboro  Mirror;  George  McDonald,  Austin  Tribune;  H.  Galbraith, 
Terrell  Transcript;  Z.  Caldwell,  Terrell  Transcript;  J.  A.  Greer,  Hubbard  City 
Pick  and  Pan ;  Ramsey  W.  Cox,  Texas  Central  Railroad,  Waco ;  George  T.  Yates, 
Gainesville  Hesperian ;  Sam  M.  Leeman,  Merkel  Mail ;  J.  C.  Carr,  San  Antonio 
Express. 

The  Southwestern  Telegraph  and  Telephone  Company 
tendered  the  use  of  its  lines  to  the  members  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. 

The  annual  poem  was  by  M.  J.  ("Mary  Jane")  Cox  and 
the  annual  essay  by  E.  W.  Harris.  The  annual  oration  was 
by  Rev.  George  C.  Rankin,  substitute  for  Judge  N.  A. 
Cravens  who  was  unavoidably  absent. 

The  libel  law  was  discussed  and  a  committee,  cortsist- 
ing  of  E.  G.  Senter,  C.  N.  Ousley  and  F.  B.  Baillio,  was 
appointed  on  libel  legislation  with  instructions  to  report  at 
this  meeting.  The  report  of  the  committee  was  made  and 
concluded  with  the  declaration,  "the  press  of  Texas  _asks 
for  the  enactment  of  a  law  upon  the  subject  of  libel  which 

196 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

will  affirmatively  fix  the  statutes,  announce  the  privileges  and 
set   the   limitations   of  the   press." 

T.  H.  Napier  offered  the  following,  which  was  adopted: 
"Resolved,  That  a  committee  to  be  com/posed  of  E.  G. 
Senter,  W.  A.  Shaw,  C.  N.  Ousley,  W.  E.  Gilliland  and  R. 
W.  Martin,  is  hereby  appointed  to  draft  a  bill  defining  libel, 
to  be  presented  at  the  next  annual  meeting  of  the  Associa- 
tion ;  that  said  committee  is  instructed  to  suggest  ways  and 
means  for  the  enacting  of  such  bill  into  a  law  by  the  next 
legislature." 

On  the  same  subject  the  following  three  resolutions  were 
adopted,  the  name  of  the  author  of  each  appearing  there- 
after in  parenthesis : 

"That  in  the  event  a  special  session  of  the  Legislature 
be  called,  that  this  committee  use  their  best  endeavors  to 
have  this  question  incorporated  in  the  call  by  the  Governor, 
without  waiting  for  ratification  by  this  Association."  (J.  M. 
Dunn.) 

"Resolved,  That  $100  or  as  much  thereof  as  needed,  is 
hereby  appropriated  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  committee 
in  preparing  and  presenting  a  libel  bill  before  the  Legisla- 
ture." (T.  B.  Johnson.) 

"Resolved,  That  the  President  be  instructed  to  call  a 
special  meeting  of  the  executive  committee  of  this  Associa- 
tion, when  it  shall  be  decided  to  call  a  special  session  of  the 
Legislature,  and  that  the  said  committee  be  empowered  to 
act  for  this  Association  in  all  matters  connected  with  legis- 
lative enactments."  (W.  A.  Johnson.) 

Brenham  was  chosen  as  the  next  place  of  meeting. 
The  following  officers  were  elected : 
President— Will    H.    Mayes,    Brown-wood    Bulletin; 
First    Vice    President— E.    W.    Harris,    Greenville    Herald; 
Second  Vice  President — T.  H.  Napier,  Winns;boro  Wide-Awake; 
Third  Vice  President— C.   N.   Ousley,   Galveston  Tribune; 
Secretary — Frank  Vernon,   Cisco   Round-Up; 

197 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Treasurer — C.    F.    Lehmann,    Hallettsville    Herald; 
Attorney — E.  G.  Senter,  Dallas. 
Executive    Committee: 

First   District — F.   B.   Robinson,   Huntsville   Item; 

Second    District — M.    L.    Bixler,    Beaumont    Enterprise; 

Third  District — V.  W.  Grubbs,  Greenville  Headlight; 

Fourth   District — F.  A.   Lockhart,  Pittsburg  Gazette; 

Fifth   District — B.   C.    Murray,   Denison   Gazetteer; 

Sixth   District — A.   N.  Justiss,   Corsicana  Courier-Light; 

Seventh    District — J.    F.    Crouch,    Belt  on    Journal; 

Eighth  District — D.  O.  Lively,  Ft.  Worth  Live  Stock  Reporter; 

Ninth   District — F.    T.    Roche,    Georgetown    Sun; 

Tenth  District — D.  L.  Beac'h,  Gonzales  Inquirer; 

Eleventh    District — D.   W.    Barnhill,   Uvalde    News; 

Twelfth    District — T.    B.    Johnson,    San    Antonio    Light; 

Thirteenth  District — W.  A.  Jo'hnson,  Memphis  Herald. 

Legislative  Committee — F.  B.  Baillio,  Lee  J.  Rountree, 
Jasper  Collins. 

The  Dallas  Commercial  Club  offered  as  a  prize  for  the 
best  write-up  of  this  meeting,  a  gold  medal  to  cost  not  less 
than  $25. 

The  idea  of  the  establishment  of  a  Girls'  Industrial 
School  in  Texas  was  endorsed  as  a  worthy  conception. 
Judge  V.  W.  Grubbs  then  of  the  Greenville  Headlight  was 
the  father  of  the  idea  as  there  endorsed  and,  through  all  the 
years  since,  has  never  wearied  of  advocating  it. 

The  great  College  of  Industrial  Arts  at  Denton  is  the 
first  fruition  of  this  idea ;  but  who  can  look  into  the  years 
of  the  future  and  conceive  of  the  full  measure  of  the  fruits 
thereof? 

Rosser  Thomas  of  the  Ladonia  News  was  elected  ora- 
tor; A.  M.  Kennedy  of  the  Mexia  Times-Echo,  essayist;  and 
C.  N.  Ousley  of  the  Galveston  Tribune,  poet. 

The  secretary  was  instructed  to  extend  an  invitation  to 
the  Southwest  Texas,  and  other  press  associations  in  the 
State,  to  hold  a  joint  meeting  with  the  Texas  Press  Associa- 

198 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

tion    at    Brenham    during   its    regular   annual    convention    in 
1900. 

Papers  were  read  as  follows : 

D.  S.  Mayes— "The  Press  and  State  Development;" 

E.  S.  Peters— "Editor  as  Farmer;" 

Frank  Vernon — "The  Mechanical  Department  of  a  Coun- 
try Newspaper;" 

A.  N.  Justiss— "The  Local  Editor;" 

J.  M.  Weekly — "The  Relationship  of  the  City  and  Week- 
ly Press;" 

E.  W.  Harris— "Liberty  and  the  Press." 


199 


Twenty-first  Annual  Convention — 1900 


THE  twenty-first  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
Association  was  held  in  Lusk  Hall  in  Brenham,  and 
was  called  to  order  by  former  President  John  G.  Rankin, 
April  12,  1900.  Rev.  J.  L.  Massie,  pastor  of  the  Methodist 
Church,  delivered  the  invocation.  Hon.  Harry  Haynes  de- 
livered the  address  of  welcome  which  was  responded  to  by 
F.  B.  Baillio.  President  Will  H.  Mayes  also  made  appro- 
priate remarks  by  way  of  further  response. 

The  following  committees  were  announced : 

Membership— J.  T.  Robison,  M.  J.  Cox,  R.  W.  Martin, 
M.  L.  Bixler,  H.  D.  Cadwell; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — F.  T.  Roche,  F.  B.  Robinson, 
C.  N.  Ousley,  W.  W.  Dexter; 

Resolutions — F.  B.  Baillio,  B.  C.  Murray,  Miss  Loutie 
Harrison,  W.  M.  Reilly,  T.  B.  Lusk,  J.  S.  Hardy. 

Revision  of  Roll— Frank  Vernon,  Will  H.  Neel,  C.  F. 
Lehmann ; 

Finance — J.  E.  Vernor,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  S.  J.  Thomas, 
W.  E.  Gilliland. 

Memorial — E.  G.  Senter,  John  G.  Rankin,  W.  A.  John- 
son, R.  M.  Johnston,  F.  P.  Holland. 

The  following  responded  to  call  of  the  roll : 

Mrs.  W.  D.  Cox,  B.  Roy  Haughton,  Will  H.  Neel,  C.  H.  Wedemeyer,  M.  J. 
Cox,  D.  O.  Lively,  F.  B.  Robinson,  John  H.  Cul!om,  J.  W.  Dale,  John  G.  Rankin, 
J.  E.  Vernor,  W.  W.  Dexter,  J.  P.  Chambless,  T.  B.  Lusk,  J.  T.  Robison,  A.  C. 
Scurlock,  E.  W.  Harris,  B.  C.  Murray,  Frank  Vernon,  Jasper  Collins,  R.  C. 
Johnson,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  F.  B.  Baillio,  E.  D.  Dunlap,  C.  W.  Gordon,  Will  H. 
Mayes,  S.  J.  Thomas,  John  G.  Rankin,  W.  A.  Johnson,  C.  N.  Ousley,  R.  E. 
Yantis,  H.  D.  Cadwell,  R.  W.  Martin,  F.  T.  Roche,  R.  M.  Johnston,  W.  E. 
Gilliland,  C.  F.  Lehmann,  W.  M.  Reilly,  Mrs.  R.  W.  Martin,  E.  G.  Senter,  L.  A. 
McCollister,  R.  Wilson,  F.  P.  Holland. 

The  Southwestern  Telegraph  and  Telephone  Company 
announced  that  their  lines  were  down  and  burdened  with 

200 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

business,  but  five  conversations  per  day  would  be  granted, 
complimentary,  to  members  of  the  Association. 
The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

T.  H.  Dailey,  Forney  Messenger;  F.  M.  Littlepage,  Venus  Times;  H.  F. 
Mayes,  Ballinger  Banner- Leader ;  G.  W.  McKnight,  El  Campo  Eagle;  J.  H.  Brooks, 
Weimar  Mercury ;  J.  H.  Stanberry,  Midlothian  Argus ;  W.  W.  Lastinger,  Gates- 
ville  Star;  Samuel  E.  Milliken,  M.  D.,  Texas  Clinic;  C.  H.  Wedemeyer,  Belton 
Journal  Reporter;  Louis  J.  Wortham,  Houston  Post,  Wm.  T.  Eichholz,  Cuero 
Rundschau ;  J.  L.  Robinson,  Pittsburg  Enterprise ;  S.  R.  Williams,  Fort  Worth 
Stock  Journal;  Paul  Keith,  Cameron  Inquirer;  J.  S.  Hardy,  Ennis  News; 
P.  J.  Hemphill,  Ennis  Local ;  O.  P.  Gresham,  Temple  Mirror ;  W.  W.  Thomas, 
Pilot  Point  Post-Signal ;  Joe  Warren,  Killeen  Herald ;  R.  E.  Yantis,  Wills  Point 
Van  Zandter ;  C.  W.  Taylor,  Rogers  News ;  C.  W.  Kent,  Waxahachie  Light ;  J.  A. 
Thomas,  Leonard  Graphic;  L.  E.  Hasket,  Childress  Star ;' T.  K.  Barrett,  Huntsville 
Post. 

A  communication  was  received  from  Mrs.  S.  Isadore 
Miner  of  the  Dallas  News  suggesting  the  erection  of  a  monu- 
ment to  Dr.  William  Martin  Yandell,  a  former  president  of 
this  Association  and  one  of  its  promoters;  and  she  enclosed 
five  dollars  as  the  initial  contribution  to  a  fund  suggested 
to  be  raised  for  that  purpose.  In  accordance  with  her  sug- 
gestion, a  resolution  offered  by  J.  E.  Vernor  was  adopted, 
providing  that  $100  be  appropriated  out  of  the  funds  of  the 
Association  for  the  purpose  of  assisting  in  the  erection  of  a 
suitable  monument  at  the  deceased  ex-president's  grave;  and 
that  the  President  appoint  a  committee  to  take  charge  of, 
receive  contributions  for,  and  superintend  the  erection 
of  such  monument  to  the  memory  of  Dr.  William  Martin 
Yandell.  The  President  announced  the  appointment  of  the 
following  to  compose  the  Yandell  monument  committee: 
E.  G.  Senter,  Mrs.  S.  Isadore  Miner,  Frank  P.  Holland,  R.  M. 
Johnston,  Juan  S.  Hart,  John  G.  Rankin,  F.  B.  Baillio  and 

C.  N.  Ousley. 

The  legislative  committee  reported  that  Governor  Joseph 

D.  Sayers  had  been  kind  enough  to  name  libel  as  one  of  the 
subjects  of  legislation  in  his  call  for  a  special  session  of  the 
Legislature.    The  committee  said  there  was  no  doubt  on  the 
part  of  newspaper  people  of  the  desirableness  of  the  enact- 
ment of  such  a  law  of  libel  as  would  define  libel  so  that  all 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

might  know  what  the  law  is,  and  what  are  and  what  are  not 
privileged  communications.  At  the  called  session,  it  appears, 
a  libel  law  had  been  introduced,  but  failed  of  enactment;  and 
the  committee  expressed  the  opinion  that  the  reckless  and 
sometimes  uncalled-for  and  unjust  criticism  of  the  Legisla- 
ture and  its  members  on  the  part  of  some  members  of  the 
press  had  had  much  to  do  with  the  failure  of  the  press  to 
secure  much  needed  remedial  legislation. 

The  committee  on  libel  made  an  extended  report  through 
its  chairman,  E.  G.  Senter,  saying  among  other  things: 

"What  is  privileged  matter  in  the  present  confused 
state  of  the  law,  can  only  be  determined  on  appeal  to  the 
higher  courts.  It  is  submitted  that  every  citizen  engaged 
in  a  lawful  business  should  be  able  to  ascertain  the  rules 
of  law  that  govern  his  business,  and  to  measure  his  respon- 
sibility for  any  action  in  connection  therewith  before  it  is 
taken.  Much  of  the  information  that  the  public  demands 
from  a  newspaper  is  offensive  or  unpleasant  to  somebody. 
Judicial  ascertainment  of  facts  in  controversy  is  reached 
only  after  long  investigation,  with  all  the  processes  of  the 
court  available,  and  then  it  frequently  happens  that  erroneous 
verdicts  are  returned.  In  dealing  with  such  matters  it  may 
easily  happen  that  the  publisher,  in  spite  of  the  utmost  dili- 
gence, will  sometimes  make  mistakes.  It  is  submitted  that 
when  a  mistake  is  thus  innocently  made,  and  every  effort 
is  made  to  correct  it  and  to  prevent  damage,  that  the  pub- 
lisher should  be  liable  only  for  such  actual  damages  as  may 
result  from  the  publication,  and  that  to  levy  in  such  a  case, 
under  fictions  of  law  repugnant  to  a  common  sense  of  jus- 
tice, penalties  more  severe  than  are  assessed  for  grave  and 
wilful  crimes  against  society  is  not  conducive  to  the  welfare 
of  the  public,  or  promotive  of  any  good  end  or  wholesome 
design." 

The  text  of  the  law  asked  for  is  as  follows: 

"1.  In  any  action  for  damages  brought  for  the  pub- 

202 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

lication  of  a  libel  in  any  newspaper  or  periodical  devoted  to 
the  publication  of  general  news,  science,  or  literature,  the 
plaintiff  shall  recover  only  such  special  pecuniary  damages 
as  may  be  shown  to  have  been  suffered  by  him  because  there- 
of, if  it  shall  appear  on  the  trial  of  such  action  that  such 
publication  was  made  in  good  faith,  and  that  there  were 
reasonable  grounds  for  believing  that  the  statements  set 
forth  in  such  alleged  libelous  publication  were  true,  and  that 
its  falsity  was  due  to  mistake  or  misapprehension  of  the 
facts,  and  that  in  the  next  regular  issue  of  said  newspaper 
or  periodical  after  such  mistake  or  misapprehension  was 
brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the  publisher  or  publishers 
thereof  a  correction  or  retraction  was  published  in  as  con- 
spicuous a  manner  and  place  in  said  newspaper  or  periodical 
as  was  the  libel. 

"2.  The  publication  of  the  following  matters  by  any 
newspaper  or  periodical  as  defined  in  section  one  shall  be 
deemed  privileged,  and  shall  not  be  made  the  basis  of  any 
action  for  libel  without  proof  of  actual  malice: 

"1st.  A  fair  and  true  report  of  any  executive,  judicial, 
legislative,  constabulary,  police,  or  other  official  proceedings 
or  actions,  or  anything  said  or  done  in  the  course  thereof; 

"2nd.     A  fair  and  true  report  of  public  meetings; 

"3rd.  Reasonable  and  fair  comment  and  criticisms  upon 
matters  of  public  concern  and  the  official  acts  of  public 
officials,  published  for  general  information. 

"3.  On  the  trial  of  any  such  action  for  libel  the  de- 
fendant may  give  in  evidence  under  the  general  issue,  in 
mitigation  of  damages,  the  circumstances  and  intentions 
under  which  such  publication  was  made,  and  any  public 
apology,  correction  or  retraction  of  the  libel  complained  of, 
made  and  published  by  him. 

"4.  In  any  such  action  for  damages  for  libel,  if  the 
defendant  shall  suggest  the  name  or  names  of  the  person 

203 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

or  persons  who  furnished  the  matter  or  information,  the  pub- 
lication of  which  is  complained  of,  by  notice  served  on  the 
plaintiff  or  his  attorney  of  record  on  or  before  the  return 
day  of  the  term  of  court  to  which  citation  therein  is  return- 
able, such  person  or  persons  shall  be  necessary  parties  de- 
fendant in  the  further  prosecution  of  said  action." 

The  committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws  submitted 
the  following,  which  was  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  the  following  shall  be  added  to  the  by- 
laws, as  paragraph  2  of  Section  19: 

"He  shall  also  supervise  the  printing  and  distribution 
of  the  badges  worn  at  the  regular,  annual  meetings  of  this 
Association,  and  see  that  they  are  issued  to  bona  fide  mem- 
bers of  this  body,  members  of  their  families,  railroad  repre- 
sentatives who  may  be  in  attendance,  representatives  of  sup- 
ply houses,  and  to  no  others." 

The  following  was  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  the  President  shall  appoint  a  special 
committee  of  five,  of  which  the  president-elect  shall  be  chair- 
man, to  present  the  subject  of  libel  to  the  next  Legislature ; 
and  that  $100,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary,  be 
appropriated  from  the  treasury  for  the  expense  of  said  com- 
mittee." 

On  the  adoption  of  the  above,  the  President  appointed 
as  said  special  committee :  E.  W.  Harris,  E.  G.  Senter,  F. 
B.  Baillio,  Frank  Vernon,  C.  N.  Ousley. 

Those  reading  papers  at  this  convention  and  their  re- 
spective subjects  follow : 

E.  G.  Myers — "The  Country  Press  and  the  Ready 
Print." 

J.  E.  Vernor— "How  to  Hold  Subscribers." 

Ernst  Goethe — "How  to  Resuscitate  a  Dead  Newspaper 
Town." 

204 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

W.  M.  Reilly— "Which  Makes  the  Better  Boss,  the  Pro- 
prietor or  the  Public?" 

Officers  were  elected  as  follows : 
President — E.    W.   Harris,    Greenville    Herald; 
First    Vice    President — Fred     B.    Robinson,    Huntsville    Item; 
Second   Vice   President — C.    N.   Ousley,   Galveston   Tribune; 
Third    Vice    President— S.   J.    Thomas,    Comanche    Chief; 
Secretary — Frank    Vernon,    Cisco    Round-Up; 
Treasurer — C.   F.   Lehmann,   Hallettsville   Herald; 
Attorney — E.  G.  Senter,  Dallas. 
Executive   Committee: 

First  District — R.   M.  Johnston,    Houston   Post; 
Second    District — M.    L.    Bixler,    Beaumont    Enterprise; 
Third  District— R.   E.  Yantis,  Wills  Point  Van  Zandter; 
Fourth   District — W.  N.  Fury,   Paris  Advocate; 
Fifth    District — Tom    W.    Perkins,    McKinney    Gazette; 
Sixth   District — .Mrs.  S.   Isadore   Miner,   Daillas  News; 
Seventh  District — A.  M.  Kennedy,  Mexia  Times-Echo; 
Eighth   District— S.   J.   Thomas,    Comanche    Chief; 
Ninth    District — Lee    J.    Rountree,    Georgetown    Commercial; 
Tenth   District— C.  N.   Ousley,  Galveston  Tribune; 
Eleventh    District — G.   W.   McKnight,    El   Campo    Eagle; 
Twelfth  District — T.  B.  Johnson,  San  Antonio  Light; 
Thirteenth   District — W.   A.   Johnson,   Hall    County   Herald. 
R.  W.  Martin  of  the  Gatesville  Messenger  was  elected 
orator;  Thomas  B.  Lusk  of  the  Italy  News-Herald,  essayist; 
and  Mrs.  S.  Isadore  Miner,  poetess. 

Houston  was  elected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting;  and 
the  excursion  was  to  Houston,  Beaumont,  Galveston  and 
Port  Arthur. 

The  president  and  secretary  were  instructed  to  invite  the 
press  associations  of  Arkansas,  Missouri  and  Louisiana  to 
meet  with  Texas  Press  Association  at  its  annual  meeting 
the  following  year. 


205 


Twenty-second  Annual  Convention — 1901 


THE  twenty-second  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
Association  was  held  in  Turner  Hall  in  Houston,  and 
was  called  to  order  by  President  E.  W.  Harris,  May  23,  1901. 
Rev.  R.  S.  Stuart  asked  Divine  blessing  on  the  convention. 
Honorable  J.  M.  Coleman,  acting  for  Mayor  John  D.  Wool- 
ford,  who  was  prevented  by  sickness  from  being  present,  de- 
livered the  address  of  welcome  on  behalf  of  the  city.  The 
response  was  made  by  T.  H.  Napier. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed : 

Membership — F.  B.  Robinson,  John  H.  Brooks,  W.  W. 
Dexter ; 

Finance — R.  E.  Yantis,  M.  L.  Bixler,  Jasper  Collins; 

Resolutions — W.  A.  Shaw,  T.  H.  Napier,  Eugene  Moore; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — S.  J.  Thomas,  F.  C.  Thomp- 
son, R.  M.  Johnston; 

Revision  of  Roll— Charles  Culmore,  G.  J.  Palmer,  C.  F. 
Lehmann. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

M.  E.  Foster,  Houston  Post ;  T.  Curtis,  Burkeville  Record ;  Don  C.  Curtis, 
Gatesville  Star-Forum ;  H.  B.  Savage,  Belton  News ;  Clayton  West,  Wills  Point 
Chronicle;  D.  M.  Thrash,  Cleburne  Chronicle;  Frank  P.  Lockhart,  Pittsburg 
Gazette;  E.  P.  Boyle,  Houston  Times;  T.  A.  Adkins,  Beeville  Picayune;  C.  C. 
Cox,  Mexia  Ledger ;  W.  L.  Mason,  San  Antonio  Homestead ;  N.  T.  Blackwell, 
Dallas  Democrat ;  A.  J.  Birchfield,  Alvin  Sun ;  J.  A.  Phillips,  Greenville  Herald ; 
Sumner  Lansdale,  McKinney  Gazette;  Hanip  Williams,  Wbllisville  Broad  Ax; 
W.  Tricky,  Pearsall  Leader;  Charles  E.  Burke,  Sherman  Courier. 

The  committee  on  legislation  submitted  the  following 
report : 

"The  special  committee  appointed  by  the  President  at 
the  last  meeting  of  the  Association,  to  present  the  subject  of 
libel  to  the  Legislature,  beg  leave  to  state  that,  fortified 
with  a  Democratic  platform  demand  for  a  libel  law,  just  alike 
to  the  press  and  the  people,  together  with  a  strong  recom- 
mendation by  Governor  Sayers  in  his  message  for  a  proper 

206 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

civil  libel  statute,  the  friends  and  advocates  of  libel  reform 
in  the  Twenty-Seventh  Legislature  succeeded  in  securing 
to  the  press  of  Texas  a  measure  of  relief  from  existing  con- 
ditions by  the  enactment  of  the  following  law,  the  first  line 
relating  to  civil  libel  ever  incorporated  in  the  statutes  of  this 
State :" 

(The  law  as  enacted  is  given  in  full  in  Part  One  of  this 
work,  in  the  chapter  devoted  to  the  libel  law.) 

Great  credit  should  be  given  Frank  Bushick  of  the  Sari 
Antonio  Express  for  the  passage  of  the  libel  law,  as  he_  had 
been  active  in  the  advocacy  of  libel  reform. 

W.  A.  Shaw,  R.  M.  Johnston  and  T.  H.  Napier  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  consider  the  recommendations  of 
the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster  General  upon  the  restrictions 
placed  by  the  Postoffice  Department  upon  second  class  mail 
matter. 

Memorial  services,  presided  over  by  F.  B.  Baillio,  were 
held  in  honor  of  the  memory  of  those  who  had  passed  over 
the  silent  river  since  the  last  annual  convention,  namely: 
John  F.  Elliott  of  the  Dallas  Times-Herald;  Sam  Vernon 
of  the  Comanche  Chief;  A.  H.  Belo  of  the  Dallas-Galveston 
News ;  J.  K.  P.  Shirley  of  the  Parker  County  News,  and 
Dr.  William  Martin  Yandell  of  El  Paso,  a  former  president 
of  this  Association.  Rev.  R.  S.  Stuart  prefaced  the  meeting 
with  Scriptural  reading  and  with  singing  sacred  songs  in 
which  he  was  assisted  by  the  audience.  Mr.  Baillio  paid  a 
general  and  generous  tribute  to  all  the  dead  in  whose  honor 
the  meeting  was  held.  S.  J.  Thomas  spoke  feelingly  of 
S.  M.  Vernon  and  read  a  tribute  to  him  from  Will  H. 
Mayes.  Lee  J.  Rountree  delivered  a  touching  eulogy  on  Mr. 
Shirley.  W.  A.  Shaw  spoke  of  the  exemplary  life  of  John 
F.  Elliott ;  and  F.  B.  Robinson  paid  a  fitting  tribute  to  the 
memory  of  the  lamented  Dr.  Yandell. 

The  following  responded  to  call  of  the  roll: 

F.     B.     Baillio,     Cleburne    Review;    J.     H.     Brooks,    Weimar     Mercury;     Charles 
Culmore,     Houston     Press;     J.     A.     Greer,     Hubbard     Pick    and     Pan     News;     I.     V. 

207 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Jolly,  Rockwall  Church  and  Home;  Mrs.  Olive  B.  Lee,  Lee's  Magazine;  T.  H. 
Napier,  Winnsboro  Wide- Awake;  T.  W.  Perkins,  McKinney  Gazette;  W.  A.  Shaw, 
Texas  Farmer,  Dallas ;  F.  C.  Thompson,  McKinney  Democrat ;  John  H.  Cullom, 
Garland  News ;  W.  W.  Dexter,  Houston  Trade  Review ;  V.  W.  Grubbs,  Green- 
ville Headlight ;  R.  M.  Johnston,  Houston  Post ;  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville 
Herald;  Will  H.  Neel,  Dublin  Telephone;  J.  T.  Robison,  Kosse  Cyclone;  S.  J. 
Thomas,  Comanche  Chief;  W.  M.  Warlick,  Dallas  Presbyterian;  M.  L.  Bixler, 
Beaumont  Enterprise ;  H.  D.  Cadwell,  Gainesville  Signal ;  L.  L.  Foster,  College 
Station;  E.  W.  Harris,  Greenville  Herald;  C.  W.  Kent,  Waxahachie  Light; 
J.  L.  McCaleb,  Carrizo  Springs  Javelin;  E.  E.  Overall,  Houston  Railway 
Illustrator;  F.  B.  Robinson,  Huntsville  Item;  J.  A.  Thomas,  Leonard  Graphic; 
R.  E.  Yantis,  Athens  Review ;  Jasper  Collins,  Carthage  Watchman ;  C.  E.  Gilmore, 
Wills  Point  Chronicle;  J.  S.  Hardy,  Ennis  News;  Eugene  Moore,  Stephenville 
Empire;  F.  M.  McCaleb,  Pleasanton  Monitor;  P.  H,  Pardue,  Alvarado  Bulletin; 
F.  T.  Roche,  Georgetown  Sun ;  W.  M.  Thompson,  Itasca  Mail. 

E.  G.  Senter,  attorney  of  the  Association  and  member 
of  the  committee  charged  with  the  duty  of  urging  upon  the 
Legislature  the  passage  of  a  law  of  civil  libel,  said  of  the 
law  enacted  by  the  Twenty-Seventh  Legislature:  "The 
measure  adopted  is  not  all  that  could  be  desired,  but  it  is  a 
decided  improvement  on  former  conditions.  The  credit  for 
its  passage  belongs  mainly  to  your  President,  Senator  Harris ; 
and  his  persistent  and  successful  efforts  in  this  behalf  call  for 
the  grateful  acknowledgments  of  the  press  at  large." 

It  is  worthy  of  note  that,  while  appropriations  were  made 
from  year  to  year  to  defray  the  expenses  of  committees 
working  in  behalf  of  the  passage  of  a  libel  law,  no  portion 
of  such  appropriations  was  ever  drawn  upon  and  that  the 
members  of  the  several  committees  always  bore  their  own 
expenses. 

E.  G.  Senter,  who  had  been  appointed  (at  the  last  annual 
convention)  chairman  of  the  committee  to  arrange  for  the 
building  of  a  monument  to  the  memory  of  the  late  Dr. 
William  Martin  Yandell,  reported : 

"On  account  of  the  calamitous  incidents  in  southern 
Texas,  it  was  thought  best  to  delay  efforts  to  raise  a  fund 
until  this  spring.  One  of  the  members  of  the  committee  is 
Mrs.  Isadore  Callaway  (formerly  Miner),  and  on  account 
of  her  acquaintance  and  meeting  with  relatives  of  Dr.  Yan- 
dell, while  she  was  recently  traveling  in  Europe,  it  was 

208 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

deemed  advisable  to  take  counsel  with  her  with  respect  to  the 
action   to   be   taken." 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  communica- 
tion of  Hon.  Edwin  C.  Madden,  Third  Assistant  Postmaster 
General,  concluded  its  report  by  offering  the  following, 
which  was  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association  heartily 
indorse  the  efforts  of  the  Postal  Department  to  correct  the 
abuses  as  practiced  by  many  so-called  newspapers  and 
periodicals  in  the  giving  of  premiums." 

A  communication  welcoming  the  Association  to  Hous- 
ton was  received  from  the  executive  committee  of  the 
Daughters  of  The  Republic  of  Texas.  In  moving  a  vote  of 
thanks  to  the  Daughters  for  their  cordial  greeting,  T.  H. 
Napier  said :  "In  returning  the  greeting  of  The  Daughters 
of  The  Republic,  it  might  be  well  to  remember  that  it  was 
in  the  Texas  Press  Association  that  the  idea  originated  of 
making  a  State  park  of  the  San  Jacinto  Battle  Ground.  It 
was  suggested  by  the  lamented  Judge  A.  B.  Norton  of  Dal- 
las at  the  meeting  in  Houston  in  1890,  when  the  Associa- 
tion took  a  trip  to  the  battle  ground.  While  the  Associa- 
tion had  suggested  the  idea,  the  noble  ladies  of  The  Daugh- 
ters of  The  Republic  carried  it  out." 

On  motion  of  W.  A.  Shaw,  seconded  by  R.  M.  Johnston 
and  John  G.  Rankin,  Mrs.  Olive  B.  Lee  was  indorsed  for 
third  vice-president  of  the  National  Editorial  Association, 
should  that  body  determine  to  elect  a  woman  as  one  of  its 
officers. 

Resolutions  in  regard  to  the  death  of  Secretary  Frank 
Vernon,  notice  of  which  sad  event  came  during  the  meeting 
of  the  Association,  were  adopted  after  several  members  had 
paid  touching  tribute  to  the  many  virtues  that  adorned  his 
noble  character. 

The  following  resolution,  signed  by  F.  B.  Baillio,  W.  A. 
Shaw,  T.  W.  Perkins,  R.  E.  Yantis,  W.  H.  Neel,  Jasper 

209 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Collins,  Lee  J.  Rountree,  Eugene  Moore  and  Charles  Cul- 
more,  was  offered,  but  was  laid  over  to  the  next  annual 
convention : 

"Be  it  Resolved,  That  the  Constitution  of  the  Associa- 
tion be  so  changed  as  to  read  that  'The  officers  of  this  Asso- 
ciation shall  consist  of  a  president,  secretary,  and  treasurer. 
In  case  of  the  death  of  the  president  or  his  resignation,  or 
his  refusal  to  act,  then  the  executive  committee  shall  elect 
his  successor.' '' 

I.  V.  Jolly  offered  the  following  resolution : 
"That  we  heartily  indorse  the  objects  and  purposes  of 
the  organized  movement  in  behalf  of  a  comprehensive  and 
efficient  system  of  industrial  education  in  Texas,  to  the  end 
that  the  youth  of  our  State  may  be  fully  prepared  for  the 
duties,  responsibilities  and  requirements  of  life  in  all  its 
legitimate  phases,  and  to  embrace  the  splendid  opportunities 
offered  by  the  industrial  awakening  which  has  recently  set 
in  in  the  State." 

The  minutes  of  this  convention  show  papers  read  as  fol- 
lows : 

Marcellus  E.  Foster— "The  Influence  of  the  Press." 
Lee  J.  Rountree — "The  Newspaper  and  the  Politician." 
C.   E.    Gilmore — "Correct    Business    Methods." 
The  following  officers  were  elected : 

President — F.    B.    Robinson,    Huntsville    Item: 
First  Vice   President — C.    N.   Ousley,   Galveston   Tribune; 
Second  Vice   President — S.  J.  Thomas,   Comanche   Chief; 
Third  Vice   President — R.   E.  Yantis,  Athens   Review; 
Secretary — J.  T.  Robison,  Kosse  Cyclone; 
Treasurer — C.  F.   Lehmann,   Hallettsville   Herald; 
Attorney— E.  G.  Senter,  Dallas. 
Executive   Committee: 

First  District — M.    E.   Foster,    Houston   Chronicle; 

Second    District — W.    A.    Adair,    Marshall    Messenger; 

Third   District — H.   W.    Manson,    Rockwall    Success; 

Fourth    District— J.   J.   Taylor,   Clarksville   Times; 

210 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Fifth  District — G.  O.  Hunter,  Sherman   Democrat; 

Sixth    District — W.    A.    Shaw,   Texas    Farmer. 

Seventh   District — J.   M.    Kennedy,   M'arlin   Democrat; 

Eighth    District — Eugene    Moore,    Stephenville   Empire; 

Ninth    District — Lee    J.    Rountree,    Georgetown    Commercial; 

Tenth  District — D.  L.  Beach,  Gonzales  Inquirer; 

Eleventh  District — J.  L.  McCaleb,  Carrizo  Springs  Javelin; 

Twelfth   District — T.   B.  Johnson,   San  Antonio   Light; 

Thirteenth  District — W.  E.  Gilliland.  Baird  Star. 
Legislative  Committee— T.  H.  Napier,  F.  P.  Holland,  S. 
J.  Thomas,  E.  W.  Harris,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr. 

Orator — T.  H.  Napier,  Winnsboro  Wide-Awake;  Essay- 
ist— Jasper  Collins,  Panola  Watchman,  Carthage ;  Poet — 
P.  H.  Pardue,  Alvarado  Bulletin. 

Gainesville  was  selected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting 
and  the  excursion  was  to  A.  &  M.  College,  Beaumont  and 
Buffalo. 


211 


Twenty-third  Annual  Convention — 1902 


THE  twenty-third  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
Association  was  held  in  the  Opera  House  in  Gaines- 
ville beginning  May  14,  1902.  It  was  presided  over  by 
President  F.  B.  Robinson.  Divine  guidance  and  blessing 
was  invoked  by  Rev.  J.  A.  Gray.  J.  T.  Leonard,  Mayor  of 
Gainesville,  delivered  the  address  of  welcome  which  was 
responded  to  by  John  H.  Cullom. 

The  appointment  of  the  following  committees  was  an- 
nounced : 

Finance — Eugene  Moore,  J.  A.  Thomas,  W.  J.  Buie ; 

Membership — A.  N.  Justiss,  W.  H.  Mayes,  J.  H.  Lowry; 

Revision  of  Roll— W.  E.  Gilliland,  D.  J.  Moffiitt,  H.  D. 
Cadwell ; 

Necrology — W.  A.  Johnson,  L.  J.  Wortham ; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — R.  E.  Yantis,  F.  B.  Baillio, 
R.  M.  Johnston; 

Resolutions — John  H.  Cullom,  F.  P.  Lockhart,  J.  M. 
Weekly. 

Mrs.  Roberts  of  Dallas  appealed  to  the  members  for 
their  support  to  the  efforts  of  The  Women's  Clubs  of  Texas 
in  behalf  of  State  legislation  regulating  the  work  of  chil- 
dren in  manufacturing  plants. 

The  committee  on  Constitution  and. By-Laws  submitted 
the  following: 

"Resolved,  That  Article  V  of  the  Constitution  be 
changed  to  read  as  follows : 

"The  officers  of  this  Association  shall  consist  of  a 
president,  a  vice-president,  an  attorney,  a  secretary,  an  as- 
sistant secretary,  a  treasurer,  and  an  executive  committee 
composed  of  one  member  from  each  congressional  district, 
and  of  which  the  president  shall  be  ex-officio  chairman  and 
the  secretary  ex-officio  secretary.  These  shall  be  elected 

212 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

annually,  except  the  memebrs  of  the  executive  committee 
who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  president;  and  the  assistant 
secretary  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  secretary.  There  shall 
also  be  chosen  at  each  annual  meeting,  an  orator,  an  essayist 
and  a  poet,  whose  duties  shall  be  to  deliver  and  read  at  the 
annual  convention  succeeding  their  appointment  an  oration, 
an  essay  and  a  poem;  provided,  that  in  case  of  the  death, 
resignation,  or  permanent  incapacity  of  the  president,  the 
vice-president  shall  succeed  to  the  honors  and  emoluments 
of  the  office ;  and  in  case  of  the  death,  resignation,  or  per- 
manent incapacity  of  both  the  president  and  vice-president, 
then  the  executive  committee  shall  elect  a  president  of  the 
Association,  who  shall  be  entitled  to  all  the  honors  and 
emoluments  of  the  office." 

The  motion  to  adopt  was  defeated  by  rising  vote,  but 
reconsideration  was  had  later  and  the  report  was  adopted. 

The  following  indicates  the  richness  and  variety  of  the 
program  at  this  convention : 

J.  H.  Lowry — "What  Constitutes  a  Good  Country  News- 
paper." 

W.  J.  Buie— "Effects  of  Rural  Free  Delivery  on  the 
Country  Press." 

W.  E.  Gilliland— "The  Press  and  the  Candidate." 

Mrs.  S.  E.  Buchanan — "The  Press  As  An  Educator." 

R.  E.  Yantis— "Practical  Business  Methods  in  the  Ad- 
vertising Department." 

W.  A.  Johnson— "Newspaper  Controversies  and  Per- 
sonal Journalism." 

Thomas  B.  Lusk — "The  Importance,  and  Best  Methods 
of  Obtaining  Subscriptions." 

L.  J.  Wortham — "The  Importance  of  Having  Texas 
Properly  Represented  at  the  St.  Louis  Exposition." 

H.  M.  Mayo  of  the  Sunset-Central  Railroad — "News- 
papers in  Relation  to  Development." 

213 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

John  H.  Cullom — "Newspaper  Premiums  and  Guessing 
Contests." 

Will  H.  Mayes  of  the  Brownwood  Bulletin  delivered 
an  address  on  "Revival  Needed  in  Association  Work." 

The  annual  poem  was  by  P.  H.  Pardue  of  the  Alvarado 
Bulletin. 

After  reciting  that  the  Texas  World's  Fair  Commission 
is  organized  and  chartered  under  the  laws  of  the  State  to 
secure  for  Texas  a  thorough  exhibit  of  her  resources  at  the 
Louisiana  Purchase  Exposition  at  St.  Louis  in  1904;  and 
that  it  is  of  utmost  importance  that  this  commission,  de- 
pending for  a  World's  Fair  fund  entirely  upon  popular  sub- 
scription, be  accorded  the  aid  and  encouragement  of  every 
public  spirited  citizen,  Col.  R.  M.  Johnston  of  the  Houston 
Post  offered  the  following  resolution,  which  was  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association  pledge 
itself  to  urge  upon  the  public  the  economic  necessity  of  ac- 
cording every  possible  aid  to  the  work  of  the  Texas  Com- 
mission, and  that  it  is  the  sense  of  the  Texas  Press  Asso- 
ciation that  each  individual  member  devote  his  best  thought 
and  energy  to  the  end  that  the  county  and  section  in  which 
his  paper  is  published  be  represented  in  every  resource  and 
advantage  at  the  St.  Louis  Exposition." 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership: 

J.  S.  Perry,  Temple  Tribune;  A.  B.  Yeager,  Waxahachie  Eagle ;  June  P. 
Miller,  Chico  Review;  Cyrus  Coleman,  Henrietta  Independent;  Mrs.  Mary  Winn 
Smoots,  Sherman  Courier ;  W.  G.  Sterett,  Dallas  News ;  Wm.  Baldridge,  Clifton 
Record;  J.  M.  Lewis,  Houston  Post;  J.  S.  Bailey,  Denton  News;  A.  A.  Lyford, 
Lone  Oak  Banner. 

The  following  officers  were  elected: 

President — C.    N.    Ousley,    Houston    Post; 

Vice   President — R.   E.   Yantis,  Athens  Review; 

Secretary — J.   T.   Robison,   Kosse   Cyclone; 

Assistant    Secretary — C.    E.    Gilmore,    Wills    Point    Chronicle; 

Treasurer — C.    F.    Lehmann,    Hallettsville    Herald; 

Attorney — E.   G.  Senter,   Dallas. 

Executive  Committee: 

First   District — F.   A.   I/ockhart,    Pitts'burg   Gazette; 

214 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Second    District — W.    C.    Easterling,    Orange    Tribune; 

Third    District — Clayton    West,    Wills    Point    Chronicle; 

Fourth    District — T.    W.    Perkins,    McKinney    Gazette; 

Fifth    District — W.    J.    Buie,    Waxahachie    Enterprise; 

Sixth   District— A.    N.  Justiss,  Corsicana  Courier-Light; 

Seventh    District — John    R.    Hedges,    Galveston    News; 

Eighth    District — T.    K.    Barrett,    Huntsville    Post; 

Ninth   District — D.    L.    Beach,    Gonzales   Inquirer; 

Tenth   District — L.  J.   Wortham,   Austin   Current   Issue; 

Eleventh  District — J.  'D.  Shiaw,  Waco  Searchlight; 

Twelfth    District — S,    J.    Thomas,    Comanche    Chief; 

Thirteenth    District — C.    H.    Leonard,    Gainesville    Register; 

Fourteenth   District — T.   B.  Johnson,   San  Antonio  Light; 

Fifteenth  District — J.  L.  McCaleb,  Carrizo  Springs  Javelin; 

Sixeenth  District — Juan  S.  Hart,  El  Paso  Times. 
Legislative    Committee — L.    J.    Wortham,    Austin    Cur- 
rent Issue;  F.  P.  Holland,  Texas  Farm  and  Ranch;  T.   H. 
Napier,  Winnsboro  Wide-Awake. 

Delegates  to  the  National  Editorial  Association — A.  N. 
Justiss,  D.  L.  Beach,  J.  H.  Lowry,  R.  E.  Yantis,  J.  A. 
Thomas,  W.  J.  Buie,  L.  A.  McCollister. 

W.  G.  Sterett  was  elected  Orator;  Mrs.  S.  E.  Buchanan, 
Essayist;  and  Mrs.  Mary  Winn  Smoots,  Poetess. 

Waxahachie  was  elected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting,  and 
the  excursion  was  to  Arbuckle  Mountains. 


215 


Twenty-fourth  Annual  Convention — 1903 


THE  twenty-fourth  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
Association  was  called  to  order  in  the  District  Court 
room  in  Waxahachie  by  President  Clarence  N.  Ousley,  May 
21,  1903.  Rev.  J.  G.  Putnam,  pastor  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  South,  delivered  the  invocation.  Mayor  W. 
J.  F.  Ross  delivered  the  address  of  welcome  to  which  R.  E. 
Yantis  responded.  By  special  request,  Miss  Mary,  daughter 
of  C.  F.  Lehmann,  recited  "The  Editor's  Guest,"  by  Will 
Carleton. 

The   following   committees   were   appointed: 
Membership— F.    B.    Baillio,    B.    C.    Murray,    C.    E.    Gil- 
more,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Will  H.  Neel ; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — F.  T.  Roche,  W.  A.  Johnson, 
J.  H.  Cullom,  M.  E.  Foster,  John  H.  Brooks; 

Resolutions — W.  H.  Mayes,  N.  P.  Houx,  Ashley  Evans, 
J.  L.  McCaleb,  E.  Goethe; 

Revision  of  Roll — C.  F.  Lehmann,  F.  B.  Robinson,  Henry 
Reese,  F.  C.  Thompson,  W.  C.  O'Bryan; 

Finance — J.  H.  Lowry,  T.  B.  Johnson,  J.  H.  Stanberry, 
N.  T.  Blackwell; 

Memorial— P.  H.  Pardue,  J.  A.  Phillips,  W.  M.  Warlick, 
J.  S.  Bailey,  F.  B.  Whipkey. 

In  his  address,  President  Ousley  stated  that  there  were 
528  papers  published  in  the  State,  with  a  combined  circula-. 
tion  of  1,080,000,  and  an  estimated  value  of  $4,725,000. 

Mrs.  S.  E.  Buchanan  of  the  Farm  and  Ranch  read  the 
annual  essay,  the  subject:  "What  Would  You  Do,  If  You 
Could  Do  As  You  Would?"  Colonel  W.  G.  Sterett  deliv- 
ered, extempore,  the  annual  oration.  Mrs.  Mary  Winn 
Smoots  read  the  annual  poem,  entitled :  "A  Ode  to  Ed 
Green  from  Safrony." 

216 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

On  the  suggestion  of  C.  F.  Lehmann  that  a  mutual  fire 
insurance  company  be  organized,  the  President  appointed 
C.  F.  Lehmann,  R.  E.  Yantis  and  W.  H.  Neel  a  committee 
to  report  on  the  proposed  organization  at  the  next  annual 
meeting. 

It  being  announced  that  the  next  annual  convention 
would  be  the  Twenty-Fifth  Anniversary  of  the  Association, 
the  following  were  appointed  to  arrange  a  special  programme 
for  that  meeting:  B.  C.  Murray,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  W.  E. 
Gilliland,  Will  H.  Mayes,  John  H.  Cullom,  F.  B.  Baillio, 
J.  H.  Lowry  and  C.  N.  Ousley. 

Those  on  the  program  and  their  subjects: 
W.  N.  Cobb— "The  Publication  Law  Passed  by  the  Last 
Legislature." 

Rev.  G.  C.  Rankin — "Journa^sm  and  Its  Duty  to  Public 
Morals." 

Miss  Maid  J.  Allen — "In  the  Country  Newspaper  Field." 
D.   L.   Beach — "The   Making  of  a   Successful   Daily   and 
Weekly  in  a  Country  Town." 
J.  H.  Connell— "That  Boy." 
The  following  officers  were  elected : 
President — R.    E.    Yantis,    Athens    Review; 
Vice    President — S.   J.   Thomas,   Comanche    Chief: 
Secretary — T.   B.    Lusk,    I  tally    News-Herald; 
Assistant  Secretary — W.  M.  Cobb,  Bowie  Blade; 
Treasurer — C.    F.    Lehmann,    Hallettsville    Herald; 
Attorney — W.  W.  Walling,  San  Antonio; 
Orator — Louis  J.  Wortham,  Austin  Current  Issue; 
Essayist — W.  J.  Buie,  Waxahachie  Enterprise: 
Poet — Judd  Mortimer  Lewis,  Houston  Post. 
Executive   Committee: 

First    District — F.    A.    Lockhart,    Pittsburg    Gazette; 
Second    District — M.    L.    Bixler,    Beaumont    Enterprise; 
Third   District — C.    E.    Gilmore,    Wills    Point    Chronicle; 
Fourth   District — J.   H.   Lowry,   Honey  Grove   Signal; 
Fifth   District — F.    P.    Holland,    Farm   and    Ranch,    Dallas; 
Sixth  District — N.  P.  Houx,  Mexia  News; 
Seventh    District — C.    H.    McMaster,    Galveston    Tribune: 

217 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Eighth  District — W.  W.  Dexter,  Houston  Trade  Review; 
Ninth  District— J.  L.  Ladd,   Bay  City  Tribune; 
Tenth   District — F.   T.   Roche,   Georgetown   Sun; 
Eleventh    District — Ernst   Goethe,   Waco   Echo; 
Twelfth  District — J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Cleimrne  Enterprise; 
Thirteenth    District — W.    A.   Johnson,   Memphis    Herald; 
Fourteenth  District — T.  B.  Johnson,  San  Antonio  Light; 
Fifteenth  District — J.  L.  McCaleb,  Carrizo  Springs  Javelin; 
Sixteenth    District— W.    E.    Gilliland,    Baird   Star. 

The   following   committees   were   appointed: 

Printing— J.  S.  Hardy,  W.  J.  Buie,  N.  T.  Blackwell; 

Legislative— W.  W.  Walling,  W.  A.  Shaw,  C.  N.  Ousley. 

Delegates  to  the  National  Editorial  Association — S.  J. 
Thomas,  J.  L.  Ladd,  Frank  P.  Holland,  J.  P.  Chambless, 
B.  C.  Murray,  T.  B.  Johnson,  M.  E.  Foster.  Alternates- 
Jasper  Collins,  D.  L.  Beach,  M.  L.  Bixler,  E.  W.  Harris,  J.  A. 
Thomas,  Will  H.  Neel,  W.  C.  Easterling. 

The  retiring  president  was  presented  with  a  set  of  ster- 
ling silver  knives,  forks  and  spoons.  The  retiring  secretary 
was  presented  with  a  traveling  set. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

R.  Polk  Burhans,  Denison  Gazetteer;  W.  B.  Yeary,  Farmersville  Sentinel; 
Jas.  H.  Sullivan,  San  Antonio  Light;  S.  Hundley,  Moody  Courier;  W.  P.  Connelly, 
Bryan  Eagle;  Clarence  Chambers,  Liberty  Vindicator;  A.  L.  Pinkston,  Center 
Champion ;  J.  W.  Saxon,  Angleton  Times ;  J.  Linn  Ladd,  Bay  City  Tribune ;  E.  J. 
Roberts,  Sherman  Courier;  J.  M.  Goldston,  Milford  Courier;  W.  V.  Ervin,  Big 
Springs  Enterprise;  Buck  W.  Brown,  Midlothian  Argus;  W.  L.  Turner,  Madi- 
sonville  Meteor;  C.  H.  McMaster,  Galveston  Tribune;  E.  L.  Ramsey,  Thorndale 
Thorn;  C.  E.  Kepple,  LaPorte  Chronicle;  M.  L.  O.  Andrews,  Navasota  Review; 
H.  E.  Ellis,  Groesbeck  Journal. 

San  Antonio  was  elected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting. 

The  following  communication  from  De  Zavala  Chapter, 
Daughters  of  The  Republic  of  Texas  was  read : 

«*  *  *  an(j  sav  to  your  Association  that  we  are  depend- 
ing upon  their  aid  in  our  struggle  to  save  the  Thermopylae 
of  the  New  World,  the  remainder  of  the  old  Mission  of  the 
Alamo,  where  were  enacted  the  sublimest  deeds  in  history, 
and  where  the  greatest  heroes  died  for  liberty.  It  is  also 
one  of  the  State's  antiquities,  which  tourists  come  far  to  see, 
and  for  that  reason  alone  should  be  preserved.  We  wish 

218 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

to  make  it  not  only  the  most  attractive  spot  on  this  conti- 
nent, but  one  from  which  good  will  emanate  in  many  lines. 
We  wish  to  make  it  an  art  museum,  a  Texas  Hall  of  Fame — a 
museum  of  Texas  history  and  relics.  We  wish  to  foster  and 
substantially  encourage  writers  and  artists  and  build  up  a 
literature  and  art  peculiarly  Texan — worthy  of  her  history, 
and  outrivaling  the  Ancient  Greeks.  The  press  is  our  sole 
dependence  in  our  efforts  to  raise  the  seventy  thousand 
dollars  to  which  we  have  bound  ourselves,  and  we  know 
we  shall  not  depend  upon  them  in  vain.  Twenty  thousand 
dollars  is  required  by  next  April,  the  remainder  in  yearly 
installments  in  five  years'  time. 

(Signed)      Adina   De  Zavala,   President." 

W.  G.  Sterett  offered  the  following,  which  was  adopted : 

"Whereas,  The  patriotic  women  and  men  of  Texas  are 
putting  forth  their  best  efforts'  to  preserve  from  the  muti- 
lating effects  of  time  the  historic  buildings  and  locations 
of  our  State-builders,  and  locations  where  a  people's  liberty 
was  bought  with  blood,  and  where  happiness  and  greatness 
to  us,  the  beneficiaries  of  the  struggles  of  our  forefathers, 
were  given;  therefore,  be  it, 

"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association,  at  its 
annual  meeting  of  the  year  1903,  give  every  aid  in  obtaining 
such  funds,  public  or  private,  as  are  necessary  to  purchase 
and  preserve  such  grounds  in  our  great  State  as  become 
historic  in  and  connected  with  the  struggles  for  Texas  Inde- 
pendence." 

Saturday  morning,  May  23,  about  one  hundred  and 
fifty  of  the  editors  went  to  Fort  Worth  where  they  were 
the  recipients  of  the  hospitality  of  that  hospitable  city.  On 
the  next  morning,  about  thirty  joined  in  the  excursion 
through  the  fruit  and  vegetable  section — East  Texas — making 
stops  at  Grand  Saline,  Rusk,  Jacksonville,  Tyler,  Palestine, 
Houston,  Beaumont,  Orange,  Bay  City,  and  other  places. 
All  along  the  route  of  the  excursion,  the  editors  were  given 
the  "glad  hand"  and  unstinted  hospitality. 

219 


Twenty-fifth  Annual  Convention — 1904 


THE  twenty-fifth  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
Association  was  held  in  the  City  Hall  in  San  Antonio, 
and  was  called  to  order  by  President  R.  E.  Yantis,  May  5, 
1904.  Rev.  Homer  T.  Wilson  invoked  the  Divine  blessing 
and  prayed  that  peace,  harmony  and  good-fellowship  might 
prevail  during  the  deliberations  of  the  convention.  Hon. 
John  W.  Kokernot  delivered  the  address  of  welcome  on  be- 
half of  the  city  and  W.  A.  Shaw  responded  for  the  Asso- 
ciation. 

The    following   committees    were   appointed : 

Membership— F.  B.  Baillio,  W.  E.  Gilliland,  R.  W.  Mar- 
tin, A.  L.  Pinkston,  P.  H.  Pardue; 

Revision  of  Roll— S.  J.  Thomas,  F.  B.  Robinson,  Will  H. 
Mayes,  T.  W.  Perkins,  B.  C.  Murray; 

Resolutions— M.  E.  Foster,  J.  S.  Perry,  C.  H.  McMasters, 
W.  A.  Shaw,  C.  E.  Gilmore; 

Finance— F.  P.  Holland,  J.  M.  Weekly,  J.  L.  McCaleb, 
E.  Goethe; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — D.  L.  Beach,  M.  L.  Bixler, 
Jasper  Collins,  T.  B.  Johnson,  F.  C.  Thompson. 

The   following  were  elected  to  membership: 

A.  C.  Baldwin,  San  Antonio  Gazette;  G.  H.  Boynton,  Hamilton  Herald;  W. 
L.  Warrock,  Rosebud  News;  P.  O.  Willson,  Taylor  Texan;  Frank  Ezzell,  Ferris- 
Wheel  ;  H.  E.  Faubion,  Marble  Falls  Messenger ;  Sam  P.  Harben,  Richardson 
Echo;  J.  D.  Ford,  Timpson  Times;  W.  T.  Curtis,  Carbon  Herald;  J.  E.  Pitts, 
Cleburne  Review;  A.  P.  Ransone,  Cleburne  Enterprise;  Miss  M.  E.  Neal,  Carthage 
Register;  J.  E.  McFarland,  Jacksonville  Banner;  G.  P.  Miller,  Corsicana  Truth; 
G.  R.  Beckham,  Flatonia  Record ;  J.  O.  Boehmer,  Floresville  Chronicle ;  A.  Suhler, 
Waco  Echo;  F.  N.  Oliver,  Cockney  Beacon;  R.  M.  Thompson,  Goldthwaite  Eagle; 
E.  G.  Gillette,  Runge  News;  Edgar  Schramm,  San  Antonio  Staats  Zeitung;  J.  A. 
Paddleford,  Hillsboro  Record;  J.  W.  Beck,  Milford  Courier;  G.  B.  Latham, 
Dallas  Farm  Journal;  J.  D.  Autrey,  Falls  City  Pilot;  S.  A.  Fishburn,  Dallas 
Home  Advocate;  Ed  J.  Leeman,  Merkel  Mail;  J.  G.  Reed,  Reed's  Isonomy.  San 
Antonio;  C.  E.  Hill,  San  Antonio  Liquor  Dealer;  J.  D.  Moyer,  Honey  Grove 
Citizen ;  J.  E.  Grinstead,  Kerrville  Mountain  Sun ;  C.  W.  Wilson,  Mineral  Wells 

220 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Index ;  Miss  Ferdie  Triche,  Railroad  Echo,  Houston ;  E.  T.  Merriman,  Corpus 
Christi  Caller;  Chas.  E.  Barnes,  San  Antonio  Express;  J.  M.  Daniel,  Cotulla 
Record. 

Wm.  T.  Eichholz,  of  the  Cuero  Rundschau  explained 
the  advantages  of  the  mutual  fire  insurance  association  he 
and  his  associates  were  making  efforts  to  organize  among 
newspaper  men.  The  matter  was  referred  to  a  special  com- 
mittee consisting  of  D.  L.  Beach,  C.  F.  Lehmann  and  D.  S. 
Mayes. 

The  following  by  T.  H.  Napier  was  adopted : 

"Whereas,  The  Daughters  of  the  Republic  (of  Texas) 
are  engaged  in  a  patriotic  endeavor  to  preserve  to  posterity 
the  historic  Alamo ;  therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association  commend 
this  project  of  the  noble  women  of  this  great  State,  and 
pledge  them  our  hearty  co-operation  in  bringing  about  legis- 
lative aid  to  assist  in  their  worthy  endeavor." 

The  annual  poem  was  read  by  J.  M.  Lewis,  its  title 
being:  "The  Editor." 

The  annual  essay,  "Dreamers  and  Their  Dreams,"  was 
read  by  W.  J.  Buie. 

The  quarter  centennial  exercises  were  presided  over  by 
Colonel  William  Green  Sterett.  W.  A.  Shaw  read  a  paper 
on  "Some  Newspaper  Men  I  Have  Known."  "The  Growth 
and  Development  of  Texas  Journalism"  was  the  subject  of 
a  paper  by  C.  N.  Ousley;  "The  Association  Then  and  Now" 
was  the  title  of  the  paper  by  R.  E.  Yantis ;  by  Will  H. 
Mayes :  "The  Social  Features  of  the  Association  and  Their 
Influence  in  Eliminating  Personal  Journalism ;"  R.  Wr.  Martin, 
"What  the  Association  Has  Accomplished  and  Wrhat  It 
Might  Accomplish." 

Officers   were   elected   as   follows : 

President — Sid  J.   Thomas,  Comanche   Chief; 

Vke   President — J.   H.  Lowry,   Honey   Grove   Signal; 

Secretary— T.   B.   Lusk,   Italy  News-Herald; 

221 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Assistant    Secretary — John    H.    Brooks,    Weimar    Mercury; 
Treasurer — C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald; 
Attorney — W.  W.  Walling,  San  Antonio; 
Orator — Homer  T.   W'ilson,  San  Antonio; 
Essayist — T.   H.   Napier,  McKinney  Gazette; 
Poet — Clarence  N.  Ous-ley,  Fort  Worth  Record. 
Executive  Committee: 

First  District — F.  A.  Lockhart,   Pittsburg   Gazette; 

Second  District — J.  A.  Ford,  Timpson  Times; 

Third    District — J.    W.    Johnson,    Longview    Times-Clarion; 

Fourth   District — T.    W.    Perkins,   McKinney   Gazette; 

Fifth    District — W.  J.   Buie,  Waxahachie    Enterprise; 

Sixth  District — J.  T.   Robison,   Kosse   Cyclone; 

Seventh    District — C.     A.    Chambers,     Liberty    Vindicator; 

Eigthth   District — J.    M.    Lewis,    Houston    Post; 

Ninth  District — C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hal'lettsville  Herald; 

Tenth    District — Lee   J.    Rountree,    Georgetown    Commercial; 

Eleventh  District — G.   H.   Boynton,   Hamilton  Herald; 

Twelfth  District — J.  J.  Switzer,  Weatherford  Herald; 

Thirteenth   District — W.   A.   Johnson,    Memphis   Herald; 

Fourteenth  District — Will  H.  Mayes,  Brownwood  Bulletin; 

Fifteenth   District — H.  C.  Thompson,  Floresville  Journal. 

Printing  Committee — W.  J.  Buie,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr., 
R.  W.  Martin.  T.  B.  Lusk ; 

Legislative  Committee — W.  W.  Walling,  W.  A.  Shaw, 
C.  N.  Ousley. 

The  following  were  appointed  as  delegates  to  the  Na- 
tional Editorial  Association :  R.  E.  Yantis,  Jasper  Collins, 
B.  C.  Murray,  J.  P.  Chambless,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  J.  H. 
Lowry,  J.  A.  Thomas.  Alternates— Will  H.  Mayes,  C.  E. 
Gilmore,  P.  H.  Pardue,  Miss  M.  E.  Neal,  Henry  Reese,  Jr., 
R.  M.  Thompson,  C.  I.  Boynton. 

Brownwood  was  elected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting. 

The  little  son  of  Sidney  J.  Thomas  of  the  Comanche 
Chief  was  elected  mascot  of  the  Association,  and  the  name 
given  him :  Sydney  Baillio  Thomas. 

The  following  by  T.  B.  Johnson  was  adopted: 

"Whereas,  There  are  throughout  our  State  a  great  num- 

97? 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

her  of  children  who  are  being  raised  amid  surroundings 
which  have  impaired  and  are  impairing  their  physical,  men- 
tal and  moral  natures  and  causing  them  to  become  incor- 
rigible as  children,  and  tending  to  cause  them  to  become 
debased  and  immoral  men  and  women,  and  to  become  mental 
and  physical  wrecks ;  and, 

"Whereas,  the  public  welfare  and  the  good  of  society 
demand  that  these  incorrigible  children  should  be  cared 
for  and  taught,  so  that  they  may  grow  up  useful  and 
worthy  citizens ;  and, 

'Whereas,  The  State  of  Texas  has  no  proper  and  suffi- 
cient home  for  these  children ;  therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  the  public  welfare  and  the  good 
of  society  would  be  advanced  by  the  erection  and  main- 
tenance of  a  State  Industrial  Home,  where  these  chil- 
dren under  the  age  of  sixteen  could  be  sent  and  taught  use- 
ful trades  and  molded  into  good  and  worthy  citizens ;  and 
be  it  further, 

"Resolved,  That  this  Association  indorse  such,  and  a 
copy  of  these  resolutions  be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of  this 
meeting,  and  that  a  copy  be  sent  to  the  Governor  of  this 
State,  with  the  request  that  he  call  the  attention  of  the 
Legislature  of  Texas  to  these  resolutions,  so  that  the  sug- 
gestions herein  contained  may  be  considered  by  our  Legis- 
lature." 

The  committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws  submitted 
the  following  amendment  to  Article  III  of  the  Constitution, 
which  was  adopted : 

"After  the  sentence  concluding  with  the  words,  'and  also 
of  his  return  to  active  work/  add  the.  words,  'Members  placed 
on  the  honorary  roll,  by  reason  of  temporary  retirement 
from  active  work,  shall  be  dropped  from  the  honorary  roll 
at  the  expiration  of  five  years.' 

This  resolution  amending  section  19  of  the  By-Laws,  so 
as  to  make  it  read  as  follows,  was  adopted : 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  retiring  secretary,  after  each 
annual  meeting,  under  direction  of  the  printing  committee, 
to  supervise  the  printing  of  the  minutes  and  to  distribute 
the  same  to  the  members  as  early  after  such  annual  meet- 
ing of  the  Association  as  practicable,  and  not  later  than 
three  months  after  each  session.  The  incoming  secretary 
shall  supervise  the  printing  and  distribution  of  the  badges 
worn  at  the  regular,  annual  meeting  of  this  Association 
following  his  election,  and  see  that  they  are  issued  to  bona 
fide  members  of  this  body  and  members  of  their  families, 
railroad  representatives  who  may  be  in  attendance,  repre- 
sentatives of  supply  houses,  and  to  no  others.  The  retiring 
secretary  shall,  within  three  months,  deliver  to  the  incom- 
ing secretary  all  books,  papers,  accounts,  etc.,  and  the  seal 
of  the  corporation,  taking  his  receipt  therefor." 

The  President  appointed  A.  N.  Justiss,  W.  W.  Dexter, 
J.  S.  Perry,  Fred  B.  Robinson  and  J.  L.  McCaleb  to  represent 
the  Association  at  the  dedication  of  the  Texas  building  at 
the  St.  Louis  World's  Fair,  on  May  25  of  that  year  (1904). 

A  handsome  sterling  silver  table  service  was  presented 
to  the  retiring  president. 

The   following  members   responded   to   call   of   the   roll : 

J.  D.  Autrey,  Falls  City  Pilot ;  A.  C.  Baldwin,  San  Antonio  Gazette ;  J.  W.  Beck, 
Milford  Courier ;  Jos.  O.  Boehmer,  Floresville  Chronicle ;  G.  H.  Boynton,  Hamilton 
Herald;  D.  L.  Beach,  Gonzales  Inquirer;  H.  D.  Cadwell,  Gainesville  Signal; 
W.  M.  Cobb,  Bowie  Blade;  Wm.  T.  Eichholz,  Cuero  Rundschau;  F.  B.  Baillio, 
Western  Newspaper  Union ;  Chas  M.  Barnes,  San  Antonio  Express ;  Glenn  R. 
Beckham,  Flatonia  Record ;  C.  I.  Boyton,  Llano  Times ;  Buck  W.  Brown, 
Midlothian  Argus-News;  R.  Polk  Burhans,  Denison  Gazetteer;  C.  A.  Chambers, 
Liberty  Vindicator ;  Jasper  Collins,  Carthage  Watchman ;  W.  T.  Curtis,  Carbon 
Hierald;  J.  M.  Daniel,  Cotulla  Record;  Frank  Ezzell,  Ferris  Wheel;  H.  E. 
Faubion,  Marble  Falls  Messenger;  J.  D.  Ford,  Timpson  Times;  E.  G.  Gillette, 
Runge  News;  C.  E.  Gilmore,  Wills  Point  Chronicle;  C.  W.  Gordon,  Calvert 
Courier ;  J.  S.  Hardy,  Ennis  News ;  S.  Hundley,  Moody  Courier ;  Tom  B.  Johnson, 
San  Antonio  Light ;  A.  N.  Justiss,  Corsicana  Courier-Light ;  Geo.  B.  Latham, 
Dallas  Farm  Journal ;  J.  M.  Lewis,  Houston  Post ;  R.  B.  Lockhart,  Pitts-burg 
Gazette;  T.  B.  Lusk,  Italy  News-Herald;  Mrs.  R.  W.  Martin,  Gatesville  Star- 
Forum  ;  D.  S.  Mayes,  Whitney  Messenger ;  F.  M.  McCaleb,  Pleasanton  Monitor ; 
C.  H.  McMaster,  Galveston  Tribune;  T.  J.  Middleton,  Waxahachie  Mirror;  B.  C. 
Murray,  Denison  Gazetteer;  Miss  M.  E.  Neal,  Carthage  Register;  C.  N.  Ousley, 
Fort  Worth  Record;  J.  S.  Perry,  Temple  Tribune;  E.  L.  Ramsey,  Thorndale  Thorn; 

224 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Henry  Reese,  Jr.,  Gonzales  Inquirer ;  F.  T.  Roche,  Georgetown  Sun ;  W.  A.  Shaw, 
Texas  Farmer,  Dallas ;  Jim  Tom  Story,  Mineral  Wells  Health  Resort ;  W.  W. 
Dex'ter,  World's  Fair  Book,  Houston ;  Will  V.  Ervin,  Big  Springs  Enterprise ; 
S.  A.  Fishburn,  Dallas  Home  Advocate ;  M.  E.  Foster,  Houston  Chronicle ;  W.  E. 
Gilliland,  Baird  Star;  Ernst  Goethe,  Waco  Echo;  J.  E.  Grinstead,  Kerrville  Moun- 
tain Sun ;  C.  E.  Hill,  San  Antonio  Liquor  Dealer ;  J.  W.  Johnson,  Longview  Times- 
Clarion ;  W.  A.  Johnson,  Hall  County  HeraM ;  Sumner  Lansdale,  McKinney 
Gazette;  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald;  F.  M.  Littlepage,  Kountze  News; 
J.  H.  Lowry,  Honey  Grove  Signal ;  R.  W.  Martin,  Gatesville  Star-Forum ;  W.  H. 
Mayes,  Brownwood  Bulletin;  J.  L.  McCaleb,  Carrizo  Springs  Javelin;  J.  E.  Mc- 
Farland,  Jacksonville  Banner ;  E.  T.  Merriman,  Corpus  Christi  Caller ;  J.  D. 
Moyer,  Honey  Grove  Citizen ;  T.  H.  Napier,  Dallas ;  G.  J.  Palmer,  Houston 
Post ;  P.  H.  Pardue,  Alvarado  Bulletin ;  A.  L.  Pinkston,  Center  Champion ;  J.  R. 
Ransone,  Jr.,  Cleburne  Enterprise;  F.  B.  Robinson,  Waco  Times-Herald;  Edgar 
Schramm,  San  Antonio  Staats  Zeitung ;  W.  G.  Sterett,  Dallas  News ;  J.  A.  Thomas, 
Leonard  Graphic ;  J.  H.  Sullivan,  San  Antonio  Express ;  W.  M.  Thompson,  Frost 
News ;  Miss  Ferdie  Triche,  Houston  Railroad  Echo ;  T.  O.  Walker,  Fort  Worth 
Record;  W.  M.  Warlick,  Dallas  Presbyterian;  John  M.  Weekly,  Ennis  Local;  P. 
O.  Willson,  Taylor  Texan;  C.  W.  Wilson,  Mineral  Wells  Index;  S.  J.  Thomas, 
Comanche  Chief;  H.  C.  Thompson,  Floresville  Journal;  W.  Tricky,  Pearsall  Leader; 
W.  W.  Walling,  San  Antonio;  W.  L.  Warrock,  Rosebud  News;  Clayton  West, 
Dallas ;  L.  J.  Wortham,  Austin  Current  Issue ;  R.  E.  Yantis,  Athens  Review. 

The  excursion  was  to  the  World's  Fair  (Louisiana  Pur- 
chase Exposition)  at  St.  Louis,  and  was  participated  in  by 
about  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  members  of  the  Asso- 
ciation and  their  wives  and  daughters. 


225 


Twenty-Sixth  Annual  Convention — 1905 


THE  twenty-sixth  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
Association  convened  in  the  city  of  Brownwood,  May  10, 
1905,  and  was  called  to  order  in  the  Knights  of  Pythias  Hall  by 
President  Sid  J.  Thomas.  Reverend  O.  M.  Fitzhugh  of  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  offered  the  invocation.  The 
address  of  welcome  was  delivered  by  Hon.  Chester  Harrison, 
in  behalf  of  the  city  and  citizens  of  Brownwood.  The  response 
was  by  J.  H.  Lowry. 

An  effort  was  made  to  organize  a  "Press  Congress,"  to  be 
composed  of  delegates  from  the  Texas  Press  Association  and 
the  various  district  associations  in  the  State,  but  the  scheme 
failed  to  meet  with  favor  and  was  abandoned. 

A.  A.  Glisson,  General  Passenger  Agent  of  the  Fort  Worth 
and  Denver  Railroad,  was  made  a  perpetual  honorary  member 
of  the  Association. 

The  President  announced  the  following  committee  on 
membership :  W.  J.  Buie,  C.  F.  Lehmann,  T.  W.  Perkins, 
B.  C.  Murray  and  J.  D.  Moyer. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

G.  L.  Inglish,  Bonham  Herald;  F.  N.  Graves,  Cleburne  Enterprise;  C.  E. 
Manley,  Cotulla  Record;  J.  S.  Henderson,  Corpus  Christi  Crony;  W.  B.  Wilson, 
McKinney  Democrat;  E.  C.  Hunter,  Sherman  Democrat;  J.  C.  Florea,  Richmond 
Coaster;  R.  D.  Hudson,  Waxahachie  Light;  J.  S.  Daley,  Dublin  Progress;  S.  N. 
Thompson,  Honey  Grove  Citizen ;  A.  R.  Crawford,  Brady  Enterprise ;  W.  G. 
Iiayden,  Big  Spring  Herald;  C.  W.  Goff,  Greenville  Herald;  E.  J.  Stockton,  Cisco 
Round-Up;  A.  G.  McAdams,  Wylie  Rustler;  T.  E.  Streight,  McGregor  Mirror; 
Bruce  W.  McCarty,  Eagle  Lake  Headlight;  R.  F.  Gates,  Bartlett  Tribune;  Ben  F. 
Smith,  Snyder  Western  Light;  M.  E.  Rosser,  Snyder  Coming  West;  S.  W.  Thomas, 
Aspermont  Star;  Theo.  Fulghain,  Ladonia  News;  E.  H.  Robertson,  Grove'on  Star; 
E.  C.  Wedemeyer,  Belton  Journal-Reporter ;  J.  W.  Hunter,  Mason  Herald ;  Sam  J. 
Helm,  Gainesville  Messenger ;  J.  G.  Marshall,  Paris  News. 

Colonel  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Flag  Custodian  of  the  National 
Editorial  Association,  had  the  flag  (the  Stars  and  Stripes) 
of  that  organization  draped  across  the  end  of  the  convention 
hall.  It  is  a  priceless  treasure  of  the  National  Editorial  Asso- 

226 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS- 

ciation,  and  this  was  the  first  time  it  had  been  exhibited  at  a 
meeting  of  the  Texas  Press  Association.  Its  history  was  given 
as  follows: 

"It  is  of  heavy  silk  and  was  originally  the  property  of  the 
illustrious  and  lamented  Henry  W.  Grady  of  the  Atlanta  Con- 
stitution. Mr.  Grady  presented  it  to  Colonel  Elliott  of  South 
Carolina  who  in  turn  presented  it  to  the  National  Editorial 
Association.  At  the  meeting  of  that  organization  in  Detroit, 
Michigan,  Colonel  Elliott  was  appointed  Flag  Custodian  for 
life.  At  his  death  four  years  ago,  Colonel  F.  B.  Baillio,  then 
President  of  the  National  Editorial  Association,  appointed 
C.  F.  Lehmann  to  the  vacancy  and  since  then  the  flag  has  been 
in  his  keeping.  When  Lafayette's  monument  was  unveiled  in 
Paris,  France,  this  flag  of  our  country  was  unfurled ;  and  later 
it  floated  over  the  Eiffel  Tower  from  3  to  5  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon, and  was  the  only  flag  of  any  country,  other  than  France, 
that  was  permitted  that  honor." 

The  following  committees  were  announced : 

Finance — J.  M.  Lewis,  W.  E.  Gilliland,  W.  A.  Johnson, 
P.  H.  Pardue,  John  J.  Switzer ; 

Resolutions — C.  N.  Ousley,  Jasper  Collins,  J.  A.  Thomas, 
C.  E.  Gilmore,  E.  T.  Merriman ; 

Revision  of  Roll— B.  W.  Brown,  M.  J.  Cox,  Miss  M.  E. 
Neal,  J.  A.  Phillips,  T.  B.  Lusk ; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — F.  B.  Baillio,  J.  E.  McFar- 
land,  W.  W.  Walling,  T.  E.  Streight,  F.  B.  Robinson ; 

Memorial — D.  L.  Beach,  E.  C.  Hunter,  Sumner  Lansdale, 
G.  L.  Inglish,  R.  M.  Thompson. 

Papers  were  read  as  follows: 

Tom  W.  Perkins— "The  Press,  the  Pulpit  and  the  Poli- 
tician." 

C.  E.  Gilmore — "Are  Publishers  Availing  Themselves  of 
the  Improved  Facilities  of  Production  and  Distribution?" 

W.  A.  Johnson — "Qualifications  to  Success  as  an  Edi- 
tor." 

227 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

J.  A.  Thomas— "Ye  Editor  as  a  Law  Maker." 

Joe  J.  Taylor — "Is  a  Semi-Weekly  Issue  More  Profitable 
and  More  Desirable  Than  a  Weekly?" 

J.  D.  Moyer — "My  Esteemed  Contemporary  Across  the 
Street." 

W.  G.  Sterett— "Our  Country  Cousins." 

J.  E.  Vernor— "What  Are  We  Here  For?" 

C.  A.  Chambers — "How  May  We  Improve  Our  Opportun- 
ities as  Publishers?" 

A  telegram  was  received  from  the  Dallas  News  that  the 
town  of  Snyder,  Oklahoma,  had  been  blown  away  by  a  cyclone. 
The  secretary  was  instructed  to  wire  sympathy  and  send  a 
check  for  twenty-five  dollars  for  the  relief  of  the  storm  suf- 
ferers. 

Will  H.  Mayes,  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Tom  B.  Johnson  and  W. 
W.  Walling  were  appointed  to  make  a  digest  of  the  State  laws 
applying  to  newspapers. 

Congressman  Slayden  addressed  the  convention  and, 
among  other  things,  said  he  was  glad  the  press  had  decreed  the 
pistol  "toter"  must  go,  and  that  the  press  was  a  most  impor- 
tant factor  in  the  suppression  of  the  habit. 

C.  N.  Ousley  who  had  been  elected  to  read  the  annual 
poem  stated  that  he  was  not  prepared  and,  in  lieu  of  a  poem, 
talked  of  the  needs  and  importance  of  the  Girls'  College  of 
Industrial  Arts  at  Denton,  and  requested  all  members  of  the 
Association  to  keep  this  school  before  the  people. 

Following  an  address  by  F.  P.  Holland,  the  following  was 
adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association  heartily  in- 
dorses the  recent  rulings  of  Third  Assistant  Postmaster  Gen- 
eral Madden,  in  denying  second  class  postal  privileges  to  pub- 
lications that  are  not  newspapers  or  magazines  in  the  true 
sense  of  journalism,  and  in  prohibiting  the  use  of  ill  disguised 
lottery  and  other  illegitimate  schemes." 

Colonel  B.  B.  Herbert,  of  Chicago,  editor  of  the  National 

228 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Printer  Journalist,  and  first  president  of  the  National  Editorial 
Association,  addressed  the  convention  on  "the  duties  of  the 
newspaper  man  to  the  public"  and  other  kindred  subjects. 

The  following,  offered  by  C.  N.  Ousley,  was  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association  hereby  in- 
dorse the  movement  represented  by  the  Southern  Cotton  As- 
sociation, and  we  pledge  our  united  assistance  to  said  associa- 
tion in  its  efforts  to  aid  the  cotton  growers  and  business 
interests  of  the  South." 

The  committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws  submitted  the 
following  amendment  to  Section  5  of  the  by-laws,  which  was 
adopted : 

"Section  5.  Immediately  after  the  adjournment  of  each 
annual  meeting,  the  secretary  shall  notify  all  members,  in 
writing,  of  their  arrears  of  dues ;  and  if,  after  notification,  pay- 
ment is  not  made  within  sixty  days,  such  members  shall  be 
stricken  from  the  roll  and  shall  not  thereafter  be  entitled  to 
the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  Association ;  provided,  how- 
ever, that  where  a  member  has  been  suspended  for  non-pay- 
ment of  dues,  such  member  shall  be  entitled  to  re-instatement 
upon  the  payment  of  all  past  dues,  at  the  rate  of  one  dollar  per 
year  and  one  dollar  advance  dues ;  provided,  further,  that  in 
no  case  shall  such  re-instatement  fee  exceed  the  sum  of  three 
dollars,  upon  payment  of  which  sum  the  secretary  shall  credit 
such  delinquent  with  all  past  dues  and  dues  for  one  year  in 
advance  from  the  date  of  the  last  annual  meeting." 

The  election  of  officers  resulted  as  follows : 
President — James    H.    Lowry,    Honey   Grove    Signal; 
Vice  President — Tom  B.  Johnson,  San  Antonio  Light; 
Secretary— T.    B.    Lusk,    Italy    News-Herald; 
Assistant   Secretary — John   H.   Brooks,  Weimar  Mercury; 
Treasurer — C.    F.    Lehmann,    Hallettsville    Herald; 
Attorney — W.    W.    Walling,    San    Antonio; 
Orator — M.  J.   Cox,   Moody  Courier; 
Essayist — Sumner   Lansdale,    McKinney  Gazette; 
Poet — J.   S.  Henderson,  Corpus  Christi  Crony. 

229 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Executive    Committee: 

First  District — J.  C.  Marshall,  Paris  News; 
Second  District — J.   E.   McFarland,  Jacksonville   Banner; 
Third  'District— C.   E.   Gilmore,  Wills   Point   Chronicle; 
Fourth   District — G.   L.  Inglish,  Bonham  Herald; 
Fifth  District — W.  J.  Buie,  Waxahachie  Enterprise; 
Sixth   District — N.   P.   Houx,   Mexia  News; 
Seventh  District — C.   H.  McMaster,   Galveston  Tribune; 
Eighth   District — J.   M.   Lewis,   Houston   Post; 
Ninth  District — John  H.  Brooks,  Weimar  Mercury; 
Tenth  District — R.  F.  Gates,  Bartlett  Tribune; 
Eleventh    District — T.   E.   Streight,   McGregor   Mirror; 
Twelfth  District — J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Cleburne   Enterprise; 
Thirteenth   District — W.  A.  Johnson,   Memphis   Herald; 
Fourteenth  District — J.  E.  Vernor,  Lampasas  Leader; 
Fifteenth  District — E.  T.  Merriman,  Corpus  Christi  Caller; 
Sixteenth  District — L.  A.  McCollister,  Gordon  Courier. 

Legislative  Committee — W.  W.  Walling,  C.  N.  Ousley, 
J.  A.  Thomas; 

Printing  Committee— J.  A.  Phillips,  E.  C.  Hunter,  J.  D. 
Ford. 

Delegates  to  the  National  Editorial  Association — Will  H. 
Mayes,  T.  W.  Perkins,  Frank  Ezzell,  R.  F.  Cates,  T.  B.  Lusk, 
C.  E.  Gilmore,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Sam  P.  Harben; 

Alternate  Delegates— J.  A.  Phillips,  J.  A.  Thomas,  J.  P. 
Chambless,  Jasper  Collins,  Buck  W.  Brown,  T.  B.  Johnson, 
J.  D.  Ford,  D.  L.  Beach ; 

First  Committeeman,  National  Editorial  Association — 
W.  J.  Buie. 

Corpus  Christi  was  elected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting, 
winning  over  Dallas,  Paris,  Temple,  Belton  and  Mineral  Wells. 

The  retiring  president  was  presented  with  a  sterling  silver 
table  service. 

The  following  members  were  present  at  this  meeting: 

J.  S.  Bailey,  Denton  Monitor;  F.  B.  Baillio,  Western  Newspaper  Union;  D. 
L.  Beach,  Gonzales  Inquirer;  W.  V.  Ervin,  Big  Springs  Enterprise;  H.  E-  Faubion, 
Marble  Falls  Messenger;  S.  A.  Fishburn,  Dallas  Home  Advocate;  J.  D.  Ford. 
Timpson  Times ;  R.  F.  Cates,  Bartlett  Tribune ;  Jasper  Collins,  Carthage  Watchman ; 
M.  J.  Cox,  Moody  Courier;  A.  R.  Crawford,  Brady  Enterprise;  J.  S.  Daley,  Dublin 

230 


\ 
HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Progress;  C.  W.  Gordon,  Calvert  Courier;  D.  R.  Hall,  Gatesville  Messenger; 
W.  G.  Hayden,  Big  Springs  Herald;  F.  P.  Holland,  Farm  and  Ranch;  E.  C. 
Il'tmter,  Sherman  Democrat;  R.  C.  Johnson,  Galveston  Opera  Glass;  W.  A.  Johnson, 
Memphis  Herald;  Mrs.  Olive  B.  Lee,  Lee's  Magazine,  Dallas;  J.  M.  Lewis,  Houston 
Post;  T.  B.  Lusk,  Italy  News-Herald;  R.  W.  Martin,  Gatesville  Star-Forum; 
Will  H.  Mayes,  Brownwood  Bulletin;  H.  F.  Mayes,  Brownwood  Bulletin;  Bruce 
VV.  McCarty,  Eagle  Lake  Headlight;  L.  A.  McCollister,  Gordon  Courier;  J.  M. 
Paniel,  Cotulla  Record;  Frank  Ezzell,  Ferris  Wheel ;  C.  I.  Boynton,  Llano  Times; 
Buck  W.  Brown,  Midlothian  Argus-News;  W.  J.  Buie,  Waxahachie  Enterprise; 
H.  D.  Cadwell,  Gainesville  Signal ;  J.  C.  Florea,  Richmond  Coaster ;  Theo.  Fulgham, 
Ladonia  News;  E.  G.  Gillet,  Runge  News;  W.  E.  Gilliland,  Baird  Star;  C.  E. 
Gilmore,  Wills  Point  Chronicle;  C.  W.  Goff,  Greenville  Herald;  O.  P.  Gresham, 
Temple  Mirror ;  J.  S.  Hardy,  Ennis  News ;  J.  S.  Henderson,  Corpus  Christi  Crony ; 
J.  W.  Hunter,  Mason  Herald ;  G.  L.  Inglish,  Bonham  Herald ;  Tom  B.  Johnson, 
San  Antonio  Light  ;  Sumner  Lansdale,  McKinney  Gazette ;  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Halletts- 
ville  Herald;  J.  H.  Lowry,  Honey  Grove  Signal;  J.  G.  Marshall,  Paris  News; 
Mrs.  R.  W.  Martin,  Gatesville  Star-Forum;  A.  G.  McAdams,  Wylie  Rustler;  C. 
H.  McMaster,  Galveston  Tribune;  J.  E.  McFarland,  Jacksonville  Banner;  E.  T. 
Merriman,  Corpus  Christi  Caller;  T.  J.  Middleton,  Waxahachie  Mirror;  J.  D. 
Moyer,  Honey  Grove  Citizen;  Miss  M.  E.  Neal,  Carthage  Register;  P.  H.  Pardue, 
Alvarado  Bulletin;  J  A.  Phillips,  Greenville  Messenger;  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Cle- 
burne  Enterprise ;  F  B.  Robinson,  Waco  Times-Herald ;  Ben  F.  Smith,  Snyder 
Western  Light;  E.  J.  Stockton,  Cisco  Round-Up;  A.  Suhler,  Waco  Echo;  C.  W. 
Taylor,  Rogers  News ;  J.  A.  Thomas,  Leonard  Graphic ;  F.  C.  Thompson,  Piano 
Siar-Courier;  R.  M.  Thompson,  Goldthwaite  Eagle;  W.  W.  Walling,  San  Antonio; 
J.  C.  Welch,  Bonham  Herald;  W.  B,  Wilson,  McKinney  Democrat;  June  P.  Miller, 
Chico  Review;  B.  C.  Murray,  Denison  Gazetteer;  Clarence  N.  Ousley,  Fort  Worth 
Record ;  Tom  W.  Perkins,  McKinney  Gazette ;  E.  L.  Ramsey,  Thorndale  Thorn ;  E.  H. 
Robertson,  Groveton  Stai  ;  M.  E.  Rosser,  Snyder  Coming  West ;  W.  G.  Sterett,  Dallas 
News ;  T.  E.  Streight,  McGregor  Mirror ;  John  J.  Switzer,  Weatherford  Herald ;  S.  J. 
Thomas,  Comanche  Chief ;  S.  W.  Thomas,  Aspermont  Star ;  W.  M.  Thompson,  Frost 
News;  J.  E.  Vernor,  Lampasas  Leader;  E.  C.  Wedemeyer,  Belton  Journal-Reporter; 
C.  W.  Wilson,  Mineral  Wells  Index;  Mrs.  E.  E.  Overall,  Railway  and  Industrial 
Journal. 


231 


Twenty-Seventh  Annual  Convention — 1906 


THE  twenty-seventh  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
Association  was  held  in  the  Pavilion  in  Corpus  Christi,  and 
was  called  to  order  by  President  J.  H.  Lowry,  June  6,  1906. 
The  invocation  was  by  Rev.  South  worth  of  the  First  Baptist 
Church  of  Corpus  Christi,  after  which  "America"  was  sung 
by  the  audience.  Judge  Stayton  of  Corpus  Christi  delivered 
the  address  of  welcome,  Jasper  Collins  responding.  The  presi- 
dent's annual  address  was  referred  to  J.  A.  Thomas,  J.  S.  Daley, 
John  H.  Cullom,  Jasper  Collins  and  Theo.  Fulgham. 

The  following  committees  were  announced : 

Membership— Tom  W.  Perkins,  W.  V.  Ervin,  D.  S. 
Mayes,  J.  S.  Perry,  J.  D.  Moyer ; 

Revision  of  Roll — J.  A.  Thomas,  W.  A.  Johnson,  J.  S. 
Daley,  A.  L.  Pinkston,  Walter  B.  Wilson; 

Finance  — T.  E.  Streight,  Jim  Tom  Story,  Bruce  W. 
McCarty,  E.  C.  Hunter,  B.  F.  Smith ; 

Memorial— S.  J.  Thomas,  D.  J.  Moffitt,  F.  C.  Thompson, 
O.  P.  Gresham,  P.  O.  Wilson ; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — C.  F.  Lehmann,  G.  I.  Boyn- 
ton,  W.  E.  Gilliland,  R.  B.  Lockhart,  R.  M.  Thompson; 

Resolutions— J.  J.  Taylor,  Lee  J.  Rountree,  C.  W.  Goff, 
S.  A.  Fishburn,  W.  J.  Buie. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

J.  W.  Northrup,  Giddings  News;  T.  E.  Arterberry,  Savoy  Star;  J.  M.  Shafer, 
Plainview  Herald ;  R.  M.  Hudson,  Irving  Index ;  W.  C.  Edwards,  Denton  Record 
and  Chronicle ;  M.  F.  Cowden,  Bonham  Favorite ;  W.  A.  Turnage,  Farmersville 
Sentinel;  J.  F.  Harrison,  Farmersville  Times;  J.  L.  Webb,  Tioga  Herald;  B.  A. 
Carter,  Nocona  News ;  C.  B.  Gardner,  Praetorian  Guard,  Dallas ;  A.  W.  Bradshaw, 
San  Angelo  Press ;  D.  Prescott  Toomey,  Dallas  News ;  W.  Z.  Spearman,  White- 
wright  Sun;  C.  F.  Hart,  Bells  News;  John  E.  Davis,  Mesquite  Mesquiter ;  J.  L. 
Adams,  Tyler  Courier;  J.  O.  Harper,  Mexia  Enterprise;  A.  Lee  Brown,  Temple 
Banner-Knight;  I.  Ardis,  Greenville  Messenger;  J.  M.  Hughes,  Silverton  Enterprise; 
W.  L.  West,  Livingston  Enterprise ;  R.  M.  Curtis,  Falfurrias  Facts ;  James  G. 
May,  Ganado  Graphic ;  H.  A  Lindenberg,  Yoakum  Times ;  R.  A.  Alford,  Leander 
Record;  F.  M.  Owings,  West  Times;  Orion  Procter,  Bridgeport  Index;  W.  P. 
Hobby,  Houston  Post;  J.  M.  Cunningham,  Oakville  Leader;  Walter  B.  Whitman, 

232 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Holland's  Magazine;  Levi  A.  Dunlap,  Meridian  Tribune;  Miss  Maid  J.  Allen, 
Granger  News;  I<on  Davis,  Sealy  News;  W.  C.  Wright,  Beeville  Picayune;  J.  C. 
Howerton,  Cuero  Record;  J.  D.  Moffitt,  Pilot  Point  Post-Signal;  J  W.  Falvella, 
Corpus  Christi  Caller;  J.  B.  Carrington,  San  Antonio  Express;  W.  L.  DuBose, 
Devine  News;  H.  B.  Terrell,  West  Times;  S.  H.  McGary,  Beaumont  Journal. 

The  following  read  papers  on  themes  shown  opposite  their 
respective  names : 

D.  S.  Mayes — "The  Cost  of  Publishing  a  Six-Column 
Quarto  Newspaper  per  Thousand  Circulation." 

Fred  B.  Robinson — "The  City  Daily  in  Comparison  with 
the  Country  Weekly." 

S.  J.  Thomas — "Is  the  Crusade  Against  Patent  Medicines 
Justifiable?" 

Walter  B.  Whitman— "How  I  Would  Run  the  Business 
End  of  a  Country  Weekly." 

G.  L.  Inglish — "What  is  a  Fair  Rate  per  Inch  for  Adver- 
tising, per  Thousand  Circulation ;  and  Should  a  Foreign  Adver- 
tiser Get  a  Better  Rate  than  the  Home  Patron  ?" 

Henry  Reese — "How  to  Keep  Books  for  a  Country 
Weekly." 

J.  Linn  Ladd — "Typesetting  Machines  in  Country  Of- 
fices." 

J.  C.  Florea — "Should  the  Inventor  of  the  Gasoline  Engine 
Be  Shot,  Hung  or  Burned?" 

R.  B.  Lockhart — "The  Proper  Make-up  of  a  Country 
Weekly." 

Theo.  Fulgham — "Where  to  Draw  the  Line  on  Free  Ad- 
vertising." 

R.  F.  Cates — "Want  Ad  Column  for  a  Country  Paper  as 
Compared  with  Sandwiched  Locals." 

T.  E.  Streight — "How  to  Get  Subscribers,  and  Hold 
Them ;  and  Should  Country  Papers  Discontinue  Subscriptions 
at  the  Date  of  Expiration?" 

Miss  Mary  Lehmann  gave  a  reading,  "The  Boat  Race;" 
and  in  response  to  an  encore,  "Which?"  from  the  pen  of  Judd 
Mortimer  Lewis  of  the  Houston  Post. 

233 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

An  afternoon  session  was  held  at  Epworth  through  the 
courtesy  of  the  Epworth  League  of  Texas,  the  San  Antonio 
and  Aransas  Pass  Railroad  providing  an  excursion  compli- 
mentary to  the  Association.  Following  this,  George  F.  Lup- 
ton,  General  Passenger  Agent  of  this  railroad,  was  given  a 
royal  reception  on  his  appearance  in  the  convention  hall,  was 
invited  to  a  seat  on  the  platform,  and  in  token  of  the  appre- 
ciation and  esteem  in  which  he  was  held,  was  "promoted,"  by 
unanimous  vote  of  the  Association,  to  the  rank  and  title  of 
"Colonel ;"  and  his  chief  clerk,  F.  D.  Daggett,  by  the  same 
authority  "advanced"  to  the  rank  of  "Major." 

The  committee  on  awards  for  the  best  samples  of  printing 
announced  that  Levi  A.  Dunlap  of  the  Meridian  Tribune  had 
received  the  prize  of  $50. 

J.  A.  Thomas  read  a  poem,  "The  Grand  Old  State  of 
Texas,"  written  by  Miss  Alice  Kennedy  of  San  Antonio.  The 
annual  essay  was  by  Sumner  Lansdale.  A  poetical  and  humor- 
ous composition,  from  the  pen  of  "Mollie  O'Brien"  of  Porlj 
Lavaca,  was  read  by  J.  E.  Vernor.  The  title  of  the  poem  was, 
"I  Wish  I  Was  an  Editor."  J.  S.  Henderson  read  the  annual 
poem,  entitled  "The  Raker."  A  poem  written  by  W.  W. 
Dexter  of  Houston  was  read  by  Mrs.  Wade  Walker. 

The  following  by  George  H.  Boynton  was  adopted : 
"Resolved,  That  we  condemn,  in  all  instances,  any  ten- 
dency of  the  United  States  Government  to  unnecessarily  inter- 
fere with  the  rights  of  her  citizens,  and  in  any  unnecessary 
way  entering  into  competition  with  private  enterprise.  We 
point  out  as  one  instance  of  this  unjust  competition  the  print- 
ing of  envelopes  by  the  Government  for  private  parties,  firms 
and  corporations.  The  original  intention  of  this  policy  of  the 
Government  was  evidently  to  encourage  the  more  general  use 
of  the  return  card  on  envelopes,  but  we  insist  that  it  accom- 
plishes nothing  in  this  regard,  from  the  fact  that  as  almost  a 
universal  rule  the  individuals,  firms  and  corporations  who 

234 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

patronize  the  Government  in  this  matter  are  those  who  would 
not  send  out  mail  without  the  return  card ;  and  the  work  being 
done  by  the  Government  simply  operates  to  take  a  large 
amount  of  the  best  and  most  desirable  business  from  a  legiti- 
mate trade  which  should  not  thus  be  compelled  to  compete 
with  the  Government  which  they  help  to  maintain. 

"Resolved,  That  the  secretary  be  instructed  to  inclose  a 
copy  of  this  resolution  to  the  various  proper  authorities  in  such 
matters  at  Washington,  and  to  each  of  our  Senators  and  Con- 
gressmen, and  respectfully  and  earnestly  invite  their  attention 
to  the  above. 

"Resolved,  That  our  Senators  and  Representatives  in  Con- 
gress be  requested  to  use  their  efforts  to  secure  such  legisla- 
tion as  is  necessary  to  carry  this  resolution  into  effect  and 
attain  the  desired  end." 

The  following  offered  by  F.  T.  Roche  was  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Association  that 
legal  advertisements  should  command  legal  rates,  and  should 
be  paid  for  at  the  rate  fixed  by  law." 

The  committee  on  the  President's  annual  address  reported 
as  follows: 

"That  we  heartily  indorse  the  high-toned  sentiment  and 
strict  ethical  precepts  of  the  aforesaid  message. 

"Resolved,  That  this  Association  indorses  the  suggestion 
of  our  President  for  a  more  efficient  libel  law,  to  the  end  that 
the  press  may,  with  comparative  safety  from  criminal  prose- 
cution, publish  all  legitimate  news  for  public  information  and 
general  welfare;  and,  be  it  further 

"Resolved,  That  we  recommend  that  our  legislative  com- 
mittee prepare,  or  cause  to  be  prepared,  a  comprehensive  and 
effective  bill  and  present  same  to  the  next  Legislature  and  urge 
its  passage  and  enactment  into  law. 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  contrary  to  the  ethics  of  this  Associa- 
tion for  its  members  to  solicit  and  urge  upon  candidates  for 
office  the  customary  formal  announcement  in  their  columns ; 

235 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

that  good  taste  would  suggest  the  indelicacy  of  such  procedure, 
and  that  such  matters  should  be  handled  in  an  elevated  busi- 
ness way. 

"Resolved,  That  we  condemn  any  method  of  securing 
advertising  patronage  that  smacks  of  co-ercion  or  intimidation ; 
that  any  publisher  who  attempts  to  secure  advertising  con- 
tracts by  threats  of  business  opposition,  threats  of  withdrawal 
of  personal  support,  or  other  intimidating  methods,  is  un- 
worthy of  membership  in  this  Association." 

G.  H.  Boynton  offered  the  following  which  was  adopted : 

"Whereas,  It  is  the  desire  of  this  Association  to  suggest 
to  the  newspapers  of  Texas  the  adoption  of  such  methods  and 
practices  as  will  best  conserve  the  interests  of  the  publishers 
and  the  public  at  large ;  and 

"Whereas,  From  time  immemorial  there  has  been  an  idea 
in  some  remote  quarters  that  a  weekly  newspaper  is  public 
property,  to  be  used  as  a  free  horse  by  all  organizations — 
social,  religious,  and  otherwise — and  that  no  charge  should 
be  made  for  publishing  various  and  sundry  notices ;  therefore, 
be  it 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  the  Texas  Press  Asso- 
ciation that  all  notices  of  entertainments,  of  whatever  charac- 
ter, where  the  object  is  to  raise  money,  and  all  resolutions  of 
sympathy,  cards  of  thanks,  and  notices  of  that  nature,  come 
under  the  head  of  legitimate  advertising  and  should  be  paid 
for;  and  this  Association,  in  behalf  of  reputable  and  progres- 
sive journalism,  would  urge  that  its  members,  and  all  pub- 
lishers, demand,  as  a  business  proposition,  that  such  matters 
be  so  regarded  and  so  paid  for." 

A  resolution  by  A.  S.  Crisp,  declaring  that  the  maximum 
of  $5  for  printing  sheriff's  sales  is  too  low,  was  adopted. 

A  sterling  silver  table  service  was  presented  to  the  retir- 
ing president.  Galveston  was  selected  as  the  next  place  of 
meeting.  The  excursion  was  to  Brownsville  and  to  Mata- 
moras,  Mexico. 

236 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Officers  were  elected  as  follows : 

President — Tom   W.   Perkins,    McKinney   Courier-Gazette; 
Vice   President — W.  J.   Buie,   San  Angelo   Standard; 
Secretary— T.   B.   Lusk,   Italy  News-Herald; 
Assistant  Secretary — Sam  P.  Harben,  Richardson  Echo; 
Treasurer — C.  F.   Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald; 
Attorney — W.  W.  Walling,  San  Antonio; 
Orator — H.   B.  Terrell,  West  Times; 
Essayist— Lee  J.  Rountree,  Georgetown  Commercial; 
Poet — Judd    Mortimer    Lewis,    Houston    Post. 

Executive   Committee: 

First  District — R.  B.  Lockhart,  Pittsburg  Gazette; 
Second  District — F.  M.  Littlepage,  Kountzie  News; 
Third  District— R.  E.  Yantis,  Athens  Review; 
Fourth    District — Walter    B.    Wilson,    McKinney    Democrat- 
Gazette; 

Fifth   District — John   H.   Cullom,   Dallas   Record; 
Sixth   District — J.    O.    Harper,   Mexia   Enterprise; 
Seventh  District — John  R.  Hedges,  Galveston  News; 
Eighth   District — C.   B.   Gillespie,   Houston   Chronicle; 
Ninth  District — John  H.  Brooks,  Weimar  Mercury; 
Tenth  District — Miss  Maid  J.  Allen,  Granger  News; 
Eleventh   District — Ernst   Goethe,  Waco  Echo; 
Twelfth   District — J.   S.   Daley,   Dublin   Progress; 
Thirteenth   District — Ben   F.   Smith,   Snyder   Western   Light; 
Fourteenth     District — J.     E.     Grinstead,     Kerrville     Mountain 

Sun; 

Fifteenth  District — J.  S.  Henderson,  Corpus  Christi  Crony; 
Sixteenth  District — Eugene  Moore,   Stephenville  Empire. 
Legislative  Committee — W.  W.  Walling,  C.  E.  Gilmore, 
J.  E.  Grinstead,  G.  W.  McKnight,  W.  E.  Gilliland ; 

Printing  Committee — J.  D.  Moyer,  J.  L.  Adams,  A.  L. 
Pinkston,  E.  A.  Thompson,  T.  B.  Lusk; 

Programme  Committee — Lee  J.  Rountree,  J.  H.  Cullom, 
C.  H.  McMaster,  R.  M.  Johnston,  Sam  P.  Harben,  T.  H. 
Napier,  W.  G.  Sterett,  C.  N.  Ousley,  T.  B.  Lusk,  T.  W. 
Perkins. 

Delegates  to  the  National  Editorial  Association — Sam  P. 
Harben,  T.  H.  Napier,  Lee  J.  Rountree,  T.  B.  Lusk,  J.  P. 

237 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Chambless,  J.  F.  Harrison,  J.  H.  Lowry,  F.  C.  Thompson,  Levi 
A.  Dunlap,  C.  I.  Boynton; 

Alternate  Delegates— T.  E.  Streight,  J.  H.  Cullom,  N.  P. 
Houx,  John  E.  Davis,  J.  D.  Ford,  R.  M.  Hudson,  E.  C.  Hunter, 
S.  J.  Thomas,  W.  C.  Edwards,  C.  W.  Wilson ; 

Executive  Committee,  National  Editorial  Association — 
J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr. 

After  singing  "God  Be  With  You  Till  We  Meet  Again" 
and  prayer  by  Rev.  M.  F.  Cowden  of  the  Bonham  Favorite,  the 
Association  adjourned  to  meet  in  Galveston. 


238 


Twenty-Eighth  Annual  Convention — 1907 


THE  twenty-eighth  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
Association  was  held  in  Harmony  Hall  in  the  Scottish  Rite 
Cathedral  in  Galveston,  and  was  called  to  order  by  President 
Tom  W.  Perkins  on  May  16,  1907.  The  invocation  was  by 
Rev.  Dr.  C.  E.  Freeman,  pastor  of  the  Fourth  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Galveston.  The  address  of  welcome  was  by  Hon. 
H.  A.  Landes,  mayor  of  Galveston,  and  the  response  by  G.  L. 
Inglish.  Tom  H.  Bell  was  appointed  sergeant-at-arms. 

The  following  committees  were  announced : 

Membership  —  Lee  J.  Rountree,  E.  C.  Hunter,  W.  A. 
Johnson,  J.  M.  Weekly,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr. ; 

Finance — Sam  P.  Harben,  John  E.  Davis,  Ben  F.  Smith, 
J.  S.  Hardy,  T.  E.  Streight ; 

Revision  of  Roll— W.  E.  Gilliland,  J.  D.  Moyer,  F.  B. 
Whipky,  F.  M.  Littlepage,  Miss  M.  E.  Neal ; 

Resolutions — D.  P.  Toomey,  J.  D.  Ford,  A.  N.  Justiss, 
R.  E.  Yantis,  Mrs.  J.  S.  Rowell ; 

Memorial — C.  E.  Gilmore,  Frank  Ezzell,  W.  V.  Ervin, 
Miss  Maid  J.  Allen,  J.  H.  Lowry; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — J.  H.  Cullom,  Orion  Procter, 
R.  M.  Hudson,  Will  H.  Mayes,  W.  J.  Buie. 

The  President's  annual  address  was  referred  to  a  commit- 
tee composed  of  John  H.  Cullom,  Ben  F.  Smith,  C.  W.  Wilson, 
J.  S.  Hardy  and  N.  P.  Houx. 

Miss  Mary  Lehmann,  who  was  introduced  as  "The  Winnie 
Davis  of  the  Texas  Press  Association,  whom  all  love  whether 
single  or  married,"  recited  "Galveston,"  written  by  Judd  Mor- 
timer Lewis ;  and  in  response  to  an  encore,  recited  a  laughable 
skit  entitled  "The  Sweet  Girl  Graduate,"  by  Phelps. 

239 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 
The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

R.  H.  McCarty,  Albany  News;  J.  M.  Adams,  Comanche  Pioneer- Exponent ; 
H.  H.  Coplen,  Palmer  Rustler;  Tom  H.  Bell,  Ladonia  News;  L.  E.  Haskett, 
Childress  Index;  Stanley  H.  Watson,  Southwestern  Farmer,  Houston;  Ward  Taylor, 
Jefferson  Jimplecute ;  Guy  F.  Tufts,  Celeste  Courier;  F.  M.  Getzendaner,  Uvalde 
Leader-News ;  H.  P.  Nelson,  Farmersville  Sentinel ;  Jim  Tom  Story,  Sr.,  Lone 
Oak  News;  W.  H.  Whitley,  Wblfe  City  Sun;  W.  H.  Taylor,  Thurber  Journal; 
John  F.  Lubben,  Galveston  News;  E.  A.  Heath,  Hico  News-Review;  E.  P.  Haney, 
Byers  Searchlight ;  J.  H.  Wurtz,  San  Antonio  Light ;  H.  V.  Hamilton,  Palestine 
Herald;  W.  S.  Davis,  San  Marcos  Herald;  C.  E.  Lee,  Fort  Worth  Live  Stock 
Reporter ;  J.  L.  Hopper,  Dallas  Poultry  Journal ;  Fred  E.  Horton,  Greenville 
Banner ;  Harvey  Miller,  New  Boston  News ;  T.  C.  Richardson,  Wheeler  County 
Texan ;  Joe  Sappington,  Temple,  Remarks  and  Arrow ;  Henry  C.  Harris,  Green- 
ville Herald;  J.  J.  Dillard,  Lubbock  Avalanche;  J.  H.  Connell,  Texas  Farm  and 
Ranch ;  S.  A.  Wilkinson,  Palmer  Rustler ;  E.  E.  Anthony,  Comanche  Chief ;  August 
C.  Dietze,  Karnes  City  Citation;  Ed  Satterwhite,  Wortham  Journal;  A.  D.  Jackson, 
Mineola  Monitor ;  J.  E.  Chandler,  Abilene  News ;  A.  A.  Abney,  Denton  News ; 
J.  C.  Mahoney,  Pleasanton  News ;  Mrs.  Maud  Hardwicke,  Corpus  Christi  Sun ; 
J.  D.  Boykin,  Kaufman  Post;  Amos  C.  McConnell,  Vernon  Call;  W.  J.  Yates, 
Corpus  Christi  Crony ;  J.  A.  Weatherly,  Nixonviile  News ;  G.  W.  Vinson,  Rosenberg 
Herald;  B.  F.  Fulkerson,  Bonham  Favorite;  L.  C.  Kirgan,  Fairfield  Recorder; 
J.  M.  Limbocker,  Houston  Heights  S  aburbanite ;  D.  G.  Robbins,  San  Antonio 
Light;  Will  T.  Hawkins,  Nacogdoches  Sentinel;  J.  L.  Lovelace,  Atlanta  News; 
J.  S.  Hill,  Waco  Farm  and  Poultry  Journal ;  Mrs.  B.  F.  Hart,  Quanah  Observer ; 
Harry  Koch,  Quanah  Tribune-Chief;  M.  L.  Pouns,  Daingerfield  News;  Henry  W. 
Schutze,  Marfa  New  Era;  J.  O.  Smith,  Elgin  Courier;  Frank  Gaston,  Granbury 
News ;  Melvin  C.  Churchill,  Palacios  Times ;  John  T.  Risen,  Carrollton  Chronicle ; 
W.  F.  Bookman,  Madisonville  Meteor;  A.  C.  Coers,  New  Braunfels  Herald;  Harold 
Baldwin,  Sabinal  Sentinel;  Ernest  Rafferty,  Tyler  Times;  A.  T.  Davis,  Tenaha 
Messenger ;  Laten  Stanberry,  Arlington  Journal ;  Emma  Musgrove,  Jacksonville 
Banner ;  W.  C.  Huchington,  Dublin  Telephone ;  L.  Seabrook,  Port  Lavaca  Wave ; 
H.  J.  Harrison,  Dallas  Western  Presbyter;  J.  W.  Canada,  San  Antonio  Texas  Fruits; 
E.  M.  Chrestman,  Grand  Saline  Sun;  Geo.  M.  Martin,  Pleasanton  News;  Ernest 
Lodon,  Sanger  Courier ;  E.  M.  Hulbert,  Lancaster  Herald ;  A.  L.  Holland, 
Bellville  Times.  , 

C.  H.  McMaster,  who  was  on  the  programme  for  a  paper 
on  "Galveston  Re-habilitated,"  announced  that  he  would  have 
no  paper  on  this  subject  inasmuch  as  all  the  editors  had  read 
about  the  progress  Galveston  had  made  since  the  storm  and, 
also,  now  have  the  opportunity  to  see  the  city  completely 
re-habilitated,  and  even  more.  He  invited  all  to  inspect  the 
grade  raising,  the  beach,  the  sea-walls  and  the  wharves,  assur- 
ing all  they  would  be  fully  convinced  of  the  present  greatness 
and  supremacy  of  Galveston  as  a  port,  as  a  city,  and  as  a  resort. 
R.  C.  Johnson  of  the  Galveston  Opera  Glass  was  on  the  pro- 
gramme to  read  a  paper  on  the  same  subject  but  he,  too,  in  a 

240 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

brief  speech  invited  all  to  look  about  them  and  see  how  well 
Galveston  had  regained  her  former  greatness. 

Miss  Calel,  daughter  of  R.  E.  Yantis,  entertained  the 
Association  with  a  violin  solo  and  was  applauded  so  enthus- 
iastically that  she  was  obliged  to  respond  with  another  selec- 
tion. A  unanimous  vote  of  thanks  was  extended  Miss  Yantis 
who  was  but  ten  years  of  age.  Her  technique  is  said  to  be 
remarkable  in  one  so  young.  She  is  a  Texas  product  of  which 
the  press  boys  are  justly  very  proud. 

The  following  was  read  : 

"Galveston,  Texas,  May  17.— Mr.  Tom  W.  Perkins,  Presi- 
dent Texas  Press  Association,  Galveston,  Texas.  Dear  Sir: 
The  Business  League  of  Port  Lavaca  has  authorized  the 
undersigned  officers  to  present  to  your  Association  a  proposi- 
tion in  which,  in  our  opinion,  every  member  of  your  Associa- 
tion will  be  thoroughly  interested.  Many  organizations  in  the 
State  have  secured  a  location  over-looking  some  beautiful  bay 
on  which  to  erect  a  bungalow,  or  a  family  club  house,  where 
they  can  take  their  families  and  friends  at  any  season  of  the 
year  and  spend  a  short  time  at  rest  and  recreation ;  where  they 
can  fish,  boat,  bathe,  or  hunt  to  their  heart's  content.  We 
believe  Calhoun  County  offers  the  most  beautiful  spot  for  the 
location  of  a  club  house  of  this  kind  of  any  in  the  State,  and 
we  are  authorized  to  say  to  you  that  we  will  deed,  free  and 
clear  of  all  incumbrance,  a  location  of  this  character  to  your 
Association,  and  would  be  pleased  to  present  the  matter  to 
your  body,  at  your  convenience. 

(Signed)         Yours  very  truly, 
S.  M.  Scott,  Vice-President.  L.  Seabrook,  President." 

After  Mr.  Scott  had  addressed  the  convention  in  regard  to 
the  above  proposition,  it  was  accepted,  the  only  condition  to 
the  donation  being  that  the  Association  appoint  a  board  of 
trustees  to  whom  the  property  could  be  deeded.  C.  F.  Leh- 
mann,  Lee  J.  Rountree  and  E.  C.  Hunter  were  appointed  as  the 
board  of  trustees  to  receive  and  take  over  this  property  for  the 

241 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Association.  Later,  to-wit,  July  20,  1907,  the  trustees  made  the 
following  report :  "To  the  Texas  Press  Association :  We,  your 
committee,  appointed  at  the  Galveston  meeting  of  the  Press 
Association  to  visit  Port  Lavaca  and  select  the  site  on  the 
Alamo  Beach  donated  to  the  Association  by  Colonel  S.  M. 
Scott,  general  manager  of  the  Alamo  Beach  Company,  beg 
leave  to  report  that  we  have  performed  that  duty.  We  visited 
the  Beach  on  June  29,  1907,  and  selected  three  lots  75x150  feet 
each,  making  a  225-foot  front,  situated  near  the  Matagorda 
and  Lavaca  Bays,  three  and  one-half  miles  from.  Port  Lavaca, 
Calhoun  County,  Texas.  We  wish  to  state  that  Colonel  Scott 
accorded  us  the  right  to  select  any  site  on  the  Beach  and  we 
selected  the  most  choice  spot  we  found.  The  deed  to  this  land 
will  be  executed  and  duly  recorded  upon  the  terms  of  the  dona- 
tion at  Galveston.  This  site  is  one  of  the  most  delightful  spots 
on  the  Texas  coast.  Our  Association  is  fortunate  in  securing 
this  land.  Respectfully  submitted. — C.  F.  Lehmann,  E.  C. 
Hunter,  Lee  J.  Rountree." 

Papers  were  read  as  follows: 

J.  H.  Lowry — "The  Texas  Editors  and  the  General  Pas- 
senger Agents." 

J.  E.  Grinstead — "The  Newspaper  Man  as  a  Legislator." 
N.  T.  Blackwell — "Practical  Advertising." 
Will  H.  Mayes — "County  and  District  Associations." 
C.  N.  Ousley— "How  We  Got  Our  Papers  After  the  Storm, 
or  Issuing  a  Paper  Under  Difficulties." 

Wm.  P.  Hobby— "The  Texas  Libel  Law." 
Mrs.  J.  D.  Ford — "Why  I'm  In  the  Newspaper  Business." 
Sumner  Lansdale — "The  Newspaper  as  the  Exponent  of 
Public  Opinion." 

N.  P.  Houx — "-Reminiscences." 

E.  T.   Merriman — "Is  the  Job  Department  a  Necessary 
Adjunct  to  the  Country  Office?" 

A.  S.  Crisp— "What  the  Thirtieth  Legislature  Did  for  the 
Newspapers." 

242 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  annual  essay  was  by  Lee  J.  Roimtree  and  the  annual 
oration  by  H.  B.  Terrell.  Miss  Marie,  daughter  of  Tom  W. 
Perkins,  then  a  little  miss  of  fourteen  years,  rendered  two 
entertaining  recitations  showing  marked  talent  for  intelligent 
interpretation.  Mrs.  Fred  W.  Bott,  wife  of  the  manager  of  the 
Southern  branch  of  the  Mergenthaler  Linotype  Company,  en- 
tertained the  Association  with  a  solo  which  so  delighted  her 
audience  that  she  was  heartily  encored.  In  responding,  she 
rendered  in  voice  exquisitely  sweet  that  song  which  never 
grows  old,  "Annie  Laurie." 

Misses  Lucile  and  Leola,  daughters  of  John  H.  Cullom, 
rendered  a  vocal  duet  entitled  "What  Are  the  Wild  Waves 
Saying?"  and  in  response  to  generous  applause,  sang  "Just 
A-Wearying  for  You." 

The  committee  on  the  President's  address  reported : 
"i.     We  commend  the  position  of  our  President  in  oppos- 
ing any  increase  in  the  rate  of  second-class  postage,  believing 
such  increase  to  be  unnecessary  and  a  discrimination  against 
newspapers  of  the  country. 

"2.  We  reiterate  our  oft  expressed  opposition  to  the  Gov- 
ernment entering  into  competition  with  private  business  enter- 
prise by  printing  envelopes  for  the  trade,  believing  that  such 
action  is  outside  the  province  of  governmental  functions  and  an 
injury  to  the  printing  craft. 

"3.  With  regard  to  the  anti-pass  law,  we  commend,  un- 
equivocally, the  stand  taken  by  our  President  and  other  mem- 
bers who  have  spoken  on  the  matter.  It  violates  a  funda- 
mental principle  of  liberty  and  justice,  and  is  an  unwarranted 
and  unjust  discrimination  against  the  newspaper  people  of  the 
State,  which,  if  allowed  to  go  unchecked,  jeopardizes  the  liber- 
ties and  rights  of  the  people.  To  this  end,  we  recommend  that 
steps  be  taken,  immediately,  to  test  the  constitutionality  of  the 
law  in  the  courts,  by  mandamus  or  otherwise.  We  recommend 
the  appointment  of  a  committee  of  three  members  to  take  this 
matter  in  charge  with  full  power  to  act  for  the  Association 

243 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

as  in  their  judgment  may  seem  necessary.  For  the  chairman 
of  the  committee  proposed,  we  respectfully  recommend  Colonel 
William  G.  Sterett  of  the  Dallas  News." 

As  first  submitted  this  report  assessed  a  levy  of  five  dollars 
against  each  member  of  the  Association,  to  be  used  as  attor- 
ney fees  and  to  defray  other  expenses  incident  to  a  suit  in  the 
courts,  but  this  provision  was  stricken  out  on  motion  of  W.  A. 
Shaw.  The  report  was  freely  discussed  and  was  finally  adopted 
as  amended ;  whereupon,  W.  G.  Sterett,  W.  A.  Shaw,  John  H. 
Cullom  and  W.  W.  Walling  were  appointed  to  look  after  the 
interests  of  the  Texas  Press  Association  in  testing  in  the 
courts  the  anti-pass  law  enacted  by  the  Thirtieth  Legislature. 

The  following  officers  were  elected  : 

President — W.   J.    Buie,    Waxahachie    Enterprise; 
Vice   President— W.   G.   Sterett,   Dallas   News; 
Secretary — Tom    B.    Lusk,    Italy    News-Herald; 
Assistant  Secretary — Sam  P.  Harben,  Richardson  Echo; 
Treasurer — C.    F.    Lehmann,    Hallettsville    Herald; 
Attorney— W.  W.  Walling,   San  Antonio; 
Essayist — R.    H.    McCarty,    Albany    News; 
Orator— C.   N.   Ousley,   Fort  Worth   Record; 
Poet — Judd  Mortimer  Lewis,  Houston  Post. 
Executive    Committee: 

First  District — Harvey  Miller,   New  Boston  News; 

Second   District — S.    H.    McGary,   Beaumont  Journal; 

Third   District — R.   E.   Yantis,  Athens   Review; 

Fourth  District — E.  C.  Hunter,  Sherman  Democrat; 

Fifth  District— J.  S.  Hardy,  Ennis  News; 

Sixth  District — N.  P.  Houx,  Mexia  News; 

Seventh  District— C.  H.  McMaster,  Galveston  Tribune; 

Eighth   District— G.   E.   Kepple,   LaPorte   Chronicle; 

Ninth  District — Wm.  T.  Eichholz,  Cuero   Rundschau; 

Tenth   District— R.  F.   Cates,   Bartlett  Tribune; 

Eleventh  District — O.  P.  Gresham,  Temple  Mirror; 

Twelfth    District — D.    Matt   Thrash,    Cleburne    Review; 

Thirteenth  District — W.  C.  Edwards,  Denton  Record  and 
Chronicle; 

Fourteenth   District — H.   F.   Mayes,   Brownwood   Bulletin; 

Fifteenth  District — F.  M.  Getzendaner,  Uvalde  Leader  News; 

244 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Sixteenth  District— C.  W.  Wilson,  Mineral  Wells  Index. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed: 

Legislative—J.  E.  Grinstead,  F.  T.  Roche,  T.  J.  Middle- 
ton,  W.  J.  Yates,  W.  W.  Walling; 

Printing— A.  N.  Justiss,  E.  Goethe,  F.  B.  Whipky,  Tom  B. 
Lusk; 

Programme — F.  B.  Baillio,  J.  H.  Connell,  Joe  J.  Taylor, 
J.  F.  Harrison,  Will  A.  Holford,  W.  J.  Buie,  Tom  B.  Lusk; 

Delegates,  National  Editorial  Association — C.  N.  Ousley, 
J.  H.  Lowry,  G.  W.  McKnight,  C.  E.  Gilmore,  W.  G.  Sterett, 
T.  E.  Streight,  J.  S.  Daley,  S.  J.  Thomas,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr., 
Miss  M.  E.  Neal,  F.  P.  Holland,  Tom  W.  Perkins,  Tom  B. 
Lusk,  Sam  P.  Harben,  E.  T.  Merriman ; 

Alternate  Delegates — C.  B.  Gillespie,  W.  V.  Ervin,  Frank 
Ezzell,  W.  M.  Warlick,  Lee  J.  Rountree,  W.  L.  West,  Bruce 
McCarty,  G.  L.  Inglish,  A.  S.  Crisp,  H.  B.  Terrell,  J.  G. 
Murphy,  J.  T.  Robinson,  W.  E.  Gilliland,  J.  C.  Florea,  C.  H. 
McMaster. 

Executive  Committeeman  National  Editorial  Association 
— J  .P.  Chambless. 

The  retiring  president  was  presented  with  a  sterling  silver 
table  service,  and  Mineral  Wells  was  elected  as  the  next  place 
of  meeting. 

On  adjournment  of  the  Association,  the  members  boarded 
a  special  train  (furnished  by  Colonel  R.  M.  Johnston  of  the 
Houston  Post)  for  Houston  where  the  courtesies  of  that  city 
were  extended  the  visitors  and  every  effort  made  to  make  their 
visit  one  to  be  most  pleasantly  remembered. 

Executive  Committee  Meeting. 

The  executive  committee  of  the  Texas  Press  Association 
was  called  to  order  in  the  rooms  of  the  Dallas  Chamber  of  Com- 
merce, on  Sept.  7,  1907,  by  President  W.  J.  Buie,  who  stated 
that  the  object  of  the  meeting  was  to  receive  the  report  of  the 
special  committee  appointed  at  the  last  annual  convention  to 
consider  the  anti-pass  law.  Messrs.  Sterett,  Shaw  and  Cullom, 

245 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

three  of  the  four  members  composing  the  committee,  had  made  a 
special  trip  to  Austin,  and  while  there  had  consulted  the  Attor- 
ney General  and  others  in  regard  to  the  law.  Colonel  Sterett 
reiterated  his  recommendation  that  all  members  of  the  Asso- 
ciation retain  their  transportation  and  carry  out  their  part  of 
their  contracts  with  the  railroads.  He  also  stated  that  the  com- 
mittee had  consulted  with  several  of  the  most  prominent  attor- 
neys in  the  State  as  to  the  constitutionality  of  the  law,  sub- 
mitted their  opinions  in  writing,  and  added  that  nearly  all  of 
them  differed.  The  Attorney  General,  Colonel  Sterett  added 
further,  declined  to  pass  upon  the  constitutionality  of  a  legis- 
lative enactment.  The  opinions  of  Judge  Stedman  of  the 
International  and  Great  Northern  Railroad  and  A.  H. 
McKnight  of  the  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas  Railroad,  were 
read,  but  were  not,  it  was  stated,  for  publication.  State  Sena- 
tor E.  G.  Senter  addressed  the  meeting  but  asked  that  his 
remarks  be  not  published.  After  discussion  it  was  deemed 
advisable  to  make  a  test  of  the  law  in  the  courts,  and  a  com- 
mittee, consisting  of  W.  C.  Edwards,  C.  W.  Wilson  and  H.  F. 
Mayes,  was  appointed  to  plan  the  test  and  report  in  the  after- 
noon. 

Henry  Camp  Harris  of  the  Greenville  Herald,  stated  that 
he  had  a  proposition  to  test  the  law  and  his  proposition  was 
accepted,  Messrs.  Sterett,  Shaw  and  Cullom  being  instructed 
to  confer  with  Mr.  Harris  and  arrange  all  details  of  the  suit. 
Colonel  T.  J.  Middleton  wanted  to  know  whether  the  police 
power  of  the  State  conferred  the  power  to  abridge  the  right 
of  contract.  It  was  the  general  opinion  that,  unless  it  was 
clear  such  a  contract  was  against  public  policy,  it  could  not  be 
abridged. 

The  following  address  to  the  people  was  issued  to  set 
before  them  the  anti-pass  matter  in  its  proper  lig-ht: 

"Whereas,  It  has  been  charged  that  the  efforts  of  the 
press  of  the  State  of  Texas,  to  relieve  itself  of  the  burdens 

246 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

placed  on  it  by  the  anti-pass  law,  are  directed  toward  the 
destruction  of  the  whole  of  such  law;  and 

"Whereas,  This  alleged  fact  is  commented  upon  as  evi- 
dence of  the  insincerity  of  the  press  in  demanding  the  mak- 
ing of  such  a  law;  therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  the  people  of  Texas  be  advised  of  the 
true  position  of  the  press  on  this  question,  which  is  as  follows : 

"The  press  of  the  State  stands  now,  as  it  has  stood,  for  a 
law  which  will  prevent  the  issuance  of  free  passes  to  officials ; 
because  such  courtesies  extended  by  corporations  to  law- 
makers, law-definers,  and  law-enforcers,  are  calculated  to 
blandish  and  balk  officials,  to  the  destruction  of  a  pure  and  im- 
partial policy  of  government. 

"But  in  the  enactment  of  the  law,  the  Legislature  saw  fit 
to  restrict  and  prohibit  the  owner  of  a  newspaper  from  ex- 
changing the  space  in  his  paper  for  transportation  over  the 
railways  of  the  State,  and  by  so  doing  deliberately  set  aside 
the  right  of  a  citizen  to  enter  into  contracts  which  are  not 
detrimental  to  the  public  good,  or  immoral,  or  depraving  in 
their  character. 

"Under  the  circumstances,  the  newspaper  owners,  and 
members  of  the  State  Association,  feel  impelled  to  fight  in  the 
courts  the  inhibition  and  limitation  imposed  upon  them  there- 
in; and  it  is  distinctly  announced  that  the  press  of  the  State 
of  Texas  stands  for,  and  advocates,  a  fair,  impartial  law, 
undefiled  through  being  born  of  revenge  or  spite,  as  it  has 
always  stood ;  and  that  the  effort  to  trim  the  present  law  to 
respectable  statute  is  directed  wholly  to  the  elimination  of  the 
objectionable  provision  which  sets  aside  the  newspaper  man 
as  a  special  subject  of  prohibitory  and  restrictive  legislation. 

"Resolved,  That  the  press  of  Texas  has  never  received, 
and  does  not  ever  expect  to  receive  from  the  railroads  any 
transportation,  except  in  payment  for  advertising  at  its  full 
value. 

"Resolved,  That  the  press  of  Texas  does  not  indorse  any 

247 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

system   under  which,  under  any  conditions,  newspaper  men 
shall  receive  free  transportation. 

"Signed  by  W.  G.  Sterett,  W.  A.  Shaw,  John  H.  Cullom." 
At  the  afternoon  session  the  special  committee,  appointed 
to  recommend  a  course  of  action  in  regard  to  a  test  of  the 
anti-pass  law,  submitted  the  following: 

"We  recommend  that  the  Texas  Press  Association  make 
a  contest  of  said  law  in  so  far  as  it  concerns  the  right  of  con- 
tract by  newspapers  and  the  railways  of  the  State. 

"To  defray  the  expenses  of  this  contest  aforesaid,  we 
recommend  that  the  secretary  of  the  Texas  Press  Association 
call  upon  the  members  thereof  for  voluntary  contributions." 
(This  was  orally  amended  to  put  in  place  of  the  last  three 
words  the  words  "by  draft  for  five  dollars  each.") 

"We  further  recommend  that  the  newspapers  of  Texas, 
in  the  meantime,  conduct  an  educational  campaign  for  the  pur- 
pose of  showing  to  the  people  of  Texas,  not  alone  the  injustice 
of  this  law  to  the  newspapers,  but  that  it  is,  as  well,  a  blow 
aimed  at  the  liberties  of  the  people  at  large  and  their  right  to 
conduct  their  own  business  as  they  see  fit. 

"Signed  by  W.  C.  Edwards,  W.  C.  Wilson,  H.  F.  Mayes." 

Before  adjournment  of  the  executive  committee,  the  fol- 
lowing, offered  by  F.  B.  Baillio,  was  adopted : 

"Whereas,  The  price  of  paper,  type,  labor,  in  fact  every- 
thing which  enters  into  the  production  of  a  newspaper,  has 
advanced  in  price,  together  with  the  cost  of  living;  therefore, 
be  it 

"Resolved,  That  the  executive  committee  of  the  Texas 
Press  Association  recommends  that  wherever  possible  the 
publishers  of  papers  increase  their  subscription  price  and  rates 
of  advertising." 


248 


Twenty-Ninth  Annual  Convention — 1908 


THE  twenty-ninth  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
Association  was  called  to  order  by  President  W.  J.  Buie, 
May  21,  1908,  in  the  Chautauqua  Auditorium  in  Mineral 
Wells.  Rev.  J.  W.  Downs,  pastor  of  the  First  Methodist 
Church  of  Mineral  Wells,  invoked  the  divine  blessing-,  after 
which  "The  Star  Spangled  Banner"  was  sung,  led  by  Miss 
Dolly  Morris  (at  the  piano)  and  Mrs.  C.  E.  Whitney.  F.  C. 
Highsmith,  mayor  of  Mineral  Wells,  delivered  the  address  of 
welcome,  which  was  responded  to  by  R.  E.  Yantis  on  behalf 
of  the  Association.  An  invitation  was  received  from  Weather- 
ford  to  visit  that  city  on  the  morrow,  which  was  accepted. 

The  following  committee  appointments  were  announced: 

Membership — C.  E.  Gilmore,  O.  P.  Gresham,  Frank  Ez- 
zell,  T.  W.  Perkins,  Ernst  Goethe ; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — S.  J.  Thomas,  W.  E.  Gilli- 
land,  F.  B.  Baillio,  Cyrus  Coleman,  Frank  Gaston ; 

Resolutions—J.  H.  Lowry,  J.  J.  Taylor,  J.  S.  Hardy,  G.  L. 
Inglish,  J.  A.  Thomas ; 

Revision  of  Roll— N.  P.  Houx,  T.  E.  Streight,  Orion  Proc- 
ter, June  P.  Miller,  Dan  S.  Mayes ; 

Finance — R.  B.  Lockhart,  Miss  Margie  E.  Neal,  W.  H. 
Whitley,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Ernest  Rafferty ; 

Memorial— Will  H.  Mayes,  C.  W.  Goff,  J.  M.  Adams,  E.  C. 
Hunter,  W.  A.  Johnson. 

The  President's  address  was  referred  to  a  committee  com- 
posed of  T.  E.  Streight,  W.  E.  Gilliland  and  F.  B.  Baillio. 

A  resolution  indorsing  Will  H.  Mayes  for  the  presidency 
of  the  National  Editorial  Association  was  adopted. 

Louis  J.  Wortham  offered  the  following,  which  was 
adopted : 

249 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association  commend 
the  movement  inaugurated  by  the  united  agricultural  and  com- 
mercial interests  of  this  State,  and  expressed  in  their  demand 
for  'fewer  and  better  laws,'  and  that  all  of  its  members  be  urged 
to  support  this  movement  to  the  end  that  every  enterprise 
having  for  its  aim  the  development  of  Texas  resources  and  the 
advancement  of  Texas  Civilization  may  receive  the  constant 
and  intelligent  attention  and  concern  of  the  Texas  press,  which 
is  exceeded  in  the  quality  of  its  patriotism  and  the  soundness 
of  its  conscience  by  the  press  of  no  State  in  the  American 
Union." 

Miss  Calel,  daughter  of  R.  E.  Yantis,  gave  a  violin  solo, 
and  then  responded  to  an  encore.  Her  performance  was  much 
enjoyed,  and  she  exhibited  marked  musical  ability  and  skill 
for  one  so  young. 

The  flag  of  the  Texas  Press  Association,  which  had  been 
lost  sight  of  for  several  years,  was  returned  by  J.  S.  Daley 
of  the  Dublin  Progress  who  had  received  it  of  Will  H.  Neel, 
in  whose  care  and  possession  it  had  been.  The  flag,  the  Lone 
Star  flag  of  Texas,  was  presented  to  the  Association  during  its 
annual  convention  in  Fort  Worth,  in  1894,  by  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
C.  H.  Silliman;  and  since  that  time  it  has  floated  in  many 
breezes.  It  was  carried  to  the  meeting  of  the  National  Editor- 
ial Association  at  Asbury  Park,  New  Jersey,  in  1894;  to  the 
Tennessee  Centennial,  at  Nashville  and  to  the  Mammoth  Cave 
of  Kentucky,  in  1897;  to  the  Confoderate  re-union  at  Houston; 
to  the  Tri-State  press  meeting,  at  Eureka  Springs,  Arkansas ; 
and  to  several  other  places.  On  motion  of  F.  B.  Baillio,  J.  S. 
Daley  was  elected  flag  custodian  for  life. 

Addresses  were  made  by  Dr.  S.  P.  Brooks,  president  of 
Baylor  University,  Waco,  his  subject  being,  "The  Opportun- 
ity of  the  Press  in  the  Education  of  the  People ;"  Hon.  O.  B. 
Colquitt,  a  member  of  the  Texas  Railroad  Commission,  "The 
Railroads,  the  Press  and  the  People ;"  F.  M.  Bralley,  of  Austin, 
"Education." 

250 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Papers  were  read  as  follows : 

D.  Matt  Thrash— "Gathering  News  for  a  Small  Daily." 

Miss  Kate  Daffan— "Woman's  Work  for  the  Press." 

John  E.  Davis  and  A.  C.  McConnell — "Do  Conditions 
Warrant  an  Increase  in  the  Subscription  Price  of  the  Country 
Weekly." 

F.  M.  Getzendaner — "The  Newspaper's  Duty  in  the  Mak- 
ing and  Enforcement  of  the  Laws." 

Miss  Margie  E.  Neal — "Building  a  Newspaper  Home." 

G.  W.    McKnight— "The   New    Postal    Regulations    and 
Their  Effect  upon  the  Country  Press." 

W.  C.  Edwards — "Responsibility  of  the  Publisher  to  the 
Public  in  the  Matter  of  his  Advertising  Columns." 

The  annual  essay  was  read  by  R.  H.  McCarty,  the  subject 
being,  "What  We'd  Rather  Do."  C.  N.  Ousley  delivered  the 
annual  oration.  The  annual  poem,  "To  the  Editors,"  was  read 
by  Judd  Mortimer  Lewis. 

Miss  Mary,  daughter  of  C.  F.  Lehmann,  was  presented  to 
the  Association  by  President  Buie  as  "The  Winnie  Davis"  of 
the  Texas  Press  Association.  She  is  an  accomplished  reader 
and  rendered  in  a  charming  manner  "Mr.  Travers,"  by  Rich- 
ard Harding  Davis,  to  the  encores  for  which  she  was  obliged 
to  respond  with  another  selection. 

Louis  J.  Wortham,  in  speaking  to  Mr.  Getzendaner's 
paper,  said  if  the  Texas  Press  Association  had  been  organized 
along  strong  lines,  the  monstrous  anti-pass  law  could  never 
have  been  passed ;  that  in  a  way,  the  newspapers  are  respon- 
sible for  the  election  of  the  representatives  who  voted  for  that 
bill.  He  reviewed  the  history  of  the  law,  and  the  fact  that  the 
working  newspaper  men  refused,  under  the  anti-lobby  law,  to 
have  anything  to  say  against  the  bill.  He  declared  that  if  the 
newspaper  men  were  united  for  a  few  strong  principles,  and 
held  to  them,  that  they  would  be  invincible  and  a  power  in  the 

251 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

land ;  that  the  Texas  press  is  powerless  for  good  to  the  State 
so  long  as  it  quibbles  over  immaterial  things. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

W.  D.  Hart,  Cooper  Review;  L.  B.  Shook,  Abilene  Reporter;  M.  M.  Smith, 
Texas  Medical  News,  Dallas;  J.  A.  Proske,  Giddings  Volksblatt ;  Hall  W.  Whitley, 
Jacksonville  Reformer;  John  P.  Cooper,  Anson  Western  Reporter;  T.  M.  Jones, 
Gail  Borden  Citizen;  John  F.  Turner,  Shafter  Lake  Herald;  C.  F.  Drake,  Jack- 
sonville Reformer;  W.  C.  Vogel,  Feld  und  Flur,  Dallas;  Willard  E.  Carpenter, 
Fort  Worth  Telegram ;  Mrs.  C.  M.  Hughes,  Wharton  Spectator ;  C.  I/.  Schless, 
Lufkin  News. 

The  members  of  the  Association  visited  Weatherford  in  a 
body  and  were  taken  in  carriages  and  automobiles  to  all  parts 
of  the  city;  visited  the  Knights  of  Pythias  Widows'  and  Or- 
phans' Home  and  Industrial  School  two  miles  east  of  the  city ; 
and  wound  up  an  afternoon  of  pleasure  at  a  reception  at  the 
elegant  home  of  Colonel  and  Mrs.  George  M.  Bowie  where 
the  Fourth  Regiment  Band  discoursed  music  and  the  ladies  of 
that  city  served  refreshments.  It  was  good  to  be  there.  The 
following  resolution,  signed  by  T.  E.  Streight  and  C.  F.  Leh- 
mann,  was  adopted : 

"Inasmuch  as  the  Texas  Press  Association  has  for  its 
purpose  the  promotion  of  higher  class  newspaper  work  and 
the  betterment  of  the  craft  in  every  phase,  as  well  as  the  social 
features  which  are  so  much  enjoyed,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  the  committee  on  programme  for  1909 
use  its  best  efforts  in  formulating  a  schedule  of  brief  papers 
and  discussions  which  will  deal  with  practical  affairs,  in  detail, 
in  newspaper  work,  and  fairly  bristle  with  discussions  calcu- 
lated to  improve  the  business  of  our  membership." 

A  resolution  was  adopted  indorsing  the  work  of  the  Texas 
Conference  for  Education,  and  pledging  the  Association's 
efforts  toward  the  adoption  of  the  amendment  to  the  consti- 
tution, submitted  by  the  recent  session  of  the  Legislature, 
looking  to  longer  terms  of  country  schools. 

The  committee  to  which  was  referred  the  President's 
address  reported: 

252 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"The  paper  is  full  of  good  suggestions  and  worthy  the 
careful  attention  of  all  members  of  this  Association.  The 
suggestion  in  regard  to  the  committee  on  legislation  should  be 
carried  out,  and  the  necessary  appropriation  be  made  if  found 
necessary.  Your  committee  is  of  the  opinion  that  it  would 
not  be  for  the  best  interests  of  this  Association  to  advance  the 
dues,  as  past  experience  has  proven  that  increased  dues  has 
resulted  in  loss  of  membership  and  revenue.  In  regard  to  the 
papers  read  before  this  body,  we  beg  to  suggest  that  after  a 
member  has  devoted  his  time  and  best  talents  to  the  prepara- 
tion of  a  paper,  he  should  be  entitled  to  have  it  printed  in  the 
minutes,  and  the  more  especially  as  it,  by  being  read,  becomes 
a  part  of  the  records  and  history  of  the  Association." 

The  committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws  submitted 
the  following: 

"Your  committee  respectfully  reports  that  it  has  no 
recommendations  to  make  for  any  change  or  amendment  in  the 
organic  laws  of  this  Association.  We  would,  however,  suggest 
that  the  president,  instead  of  the  executive  committee,  as  has 
heretofore  been  the  custom,  be  authorized  to  formulate  the 
programme;  and  fix  the  date  of  meeting  of  the  annual  sessions 
of  this  Association,  with  the  co-operation  and  advice  of  the 
citizens  of  the  cities  where  the  meetings  are  to  be  held." 

After  the  adoption  of  the  amendment  offered  by  C.  N. 
Ousley,  that  the  wording  of  the  report  be  changed  to  read, 
"request  that  the  president  be  charged  with  the  arrangement 
of  programme  and  the  date  of  meeting,"  the  report  was 
adopted. 

The  retiring  president  and  retiring  secretary  were  each 
presented  with  a  handsome  sterling  silver  table  service.  On 
motion  of  S.  J.  Thomas  the  retiring  secretary,  Tom  B.  Lusk, 
was  commended  for  his  efficient  services  as  secretary  for  the 
preceding  five  years.  Marlin  was  selected  as  the  next  place 
of  meeting.  The  excursion  was  to  Weatherford. 

253     ' 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  following  officers  were  elected : 

President — C.  E.  Gilmore,  Wills  Point  Chronicle; 

Vice   President — W.   A.  Johnson,   Memphis   Herald; 

Secretary — Sam   P.    Harben,    Richardson    Echo; 

Assistant  Secretary— R.  F.  Gates,  Bartlett  Tribune; 

Treasurer — C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald; 

Attorney — W.  W.  Walling,  San  Antonio; 

Orator — J.    R.    Ransone,    Jr.,    Cleburne    Enterprise; 

Essayist — 'Miss   Margie   E.   Neal,   Carthage   Register; 

Poet— R.   H.    McCarty,  Albany   News; 

Flag  Custodian — J.  S.  Daley,  Dublin  Progress. 

Executive    Committee: 

First  District— R.  B.  Lockhart,  Pittsburg  Gazette; 
Second  District — J.  E.  McFarland,  Jacksonville  Banner; 
Third    District — J.    A.    Thomas,    Mineola    Monitor; 
Fourth   District — J.  H.  Lowry,  Honey  Grove   Signal; 
Fifth    District — Walter    B.    Whitman,    Holland's    Magazine, 

Dallas; 

Sixth   District — J.  T.   Robison,   Kosse   Cyclone; 
Seventh  District — H.  V.  Hamilton,  Palestine  Herald; 
Eighth   District — J.   M.  Lewis,   Houston  Post; 
Ninth   District — A.  S.  Crisp,  Cuero  Star; 
Tenth   District — R.   F.  Gates,   Bartlett  Tribune; 
Eleventh   District — T.   E.   Streight,   McGregor   Mirror; 
Twelfth  District — D.  Matt  Thrash,  Cleburne  Review; 
Thirteenth   District — W.   C.   Edwards,   Denton   Record  and 

Chronicle; 

Fourteenth   District — H.  F.   Mayes,   Brownwood   Bulletin; 
Fifteenth  District — F.  M.  Getzendaner,  Uvalde  Leader-News; 
Sixteenth   District— W.    E.    Gilliland,    Baird   Star. 

The  following  committees  were  announced : 

Printing — Levi  A.  Dunlap,  E.  Goethe,  F.  B.  Whipky,  Sam 
P.  Harben; 

Programme— T.   E.   Streight,  J.   R.   Ransone,  Jr.,   R.   E. 
Yantis  ; 

Legislation— F.  B.  Baillio,  G.  H.  Boynton,  T.  J.  Middle- 
ton,  W.  H.  Whitley,  D.  S.  Mayes ; 

254 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Delegates  to  the  National  Editorial  Association — J.  R. 
Ransone,  Jr.,  N.  P.  Houx,  W.  J.  Buie,  T.  B.  Lusk,  W.  A. 
Holford,  Cyrus  Coleman,  D.  P.  Toomey,  W.  A.  Johnson,  C. 
W.  Wilson,  C.  A.  Chambers,  Clarence  Ousley; 

Alternate  Delegates — Henry  C.  Harris,  J.  D.  Ford,  J.  D. 
Moyer,  John  E.  Davis,  Frank  Gaston,  Ernest  Rafferty,  J.  C. 
Florea,  H.  B.  Savage,  Joe  Sappington,  T.  H.  Bell,  W.  Z. 
Spearman. 


255 


Thirtieth  Annual  Convention — 1909 


HPHE  thirtieth  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press  Asso- 
1  ciation  was  held  in  the  Arlington  Opera  House  in  Marlin, 
beginning  May  27,  1909,  President  C.  E.  Gilmore  presiding. 
Dr.  J.  H.  Gambrell,  pastor  of  the  Marlin  Baptist  Church,  offer- 
ed the  invocation.  Addresses  of  welcome  were  made  by  Mayor 
F.  S.  Hefner  on  behalf  of  the  city,  and  by  Hon.  E.  W.  Bounds 
on  behalf  of  the  citizens  of  Marlin.  The  response  to  the 
addresses  of  welcome  was  made  by  Sumner  Lansdale  on 
behalf  of  the  Association. 

The  president's  address  was  referred  to  a  committee  com- 
posed of  J.  H.  Lowry,  J.  A.  Thomas,  J.  S.  Hardy  and  R.  E. 
Yantis. 

The  following  committee  appointments  were  announced: 

Membership — W.  A.  Johnson,  T.  W.  Perkins,  Cyrus  Cole- 
man,  J.  S.  Hardy,  James  A.  Greer ; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws— F.  B.  Baillio,  F.  M.  Little- 
page,  E.  M.  Chrestman,  Ernst  Goethe,  S.  J.  Thomas ; 

Resolutions — Miss  Maid  J.  Allen,  J.  J.  Taylor,  Joe  Sap- 
pington,  E.  A.  Heath,  T.  H.  Bell; 

Revision  of  Roll— J.  A.  Thomas,  T.  B.  Lusk,  Ward  Tay- 
lor, Wm.  Eichholz,  R.  F.  Cates ; 

Finance — T.  E.  Streight,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  J.  M.  Ken- 
nedy, H.  V.  Hamilton,  J.  F.  Turner; 

Memorial— J.  H.  Lowry,  R.  E.  Yantis,  J.  M.  Weekly,  W. 
C.  Edwards,  Harvey  Miller. 

James  Hays  Quarles,  press  agent  of  the  A.  &  M.  College, 
addressed  the  convention  and  took  occasion  to  thank  the 
newspapers  of  the  State  for  their  hearty  co-operation  in  his 
work. 

President  Gilmore  set  aside  the  regular  programme  and 

256 


.  HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

invited  discussion  of  the  subject:  "If  You  Should  Die,  How 
Much  Would  Your  Administrator  Be  Able  to  Find  Out  About 
Your  Business  by  Examining  Your  Books?"  The  subject  was 
discussed  by  several  members. 

An  invitation  was  extended  by  Misses  Williemae  War- 
rock  and  Myrtle  Cox,  publishers  of  the  Christian  Patriot,  to 
attend  a  "Pie  Social"  to  be  given  at  their  office  after  adjourn- 
ment of  the  afternoon  session,  lasting  from  4  to  6  o'clock,  p.  m. 

Papers  were  read  as  follows : 

Joe  Sappington — "D.bes  a  Good  Make-up  Help  a  News- 
paper as  Much  as  it  Does  a  Woman?" 

Tom  W.  Perkins — "The  Advantages  of  Assisting  Mer- 
chants in  Preparing  Copy  for  Advertising." 

Tom  B.  Lusk— "Is  a  Clean  Office  Worth  While?" 

Wm.  T.  Eichholz— "The  Objects  and  Attainments  of  the 
Printers'  Mutual  Fire  Insurance  Association." 

Miss  Maid  J.  Allen— "What  I  Think  of  Schemes  to  Get 
Subscribers." 

W.  H.  Whitley— "Is  a  Pretty  Country  Paper  Worth 
What  It  Costs?" 

S.  J.  Thomas — "Should  We  Accept  Cordwood  on  Sub- 
scription?" 

John  P.  Cooper — "Why  the  Infatuation  of  Newspaper 
Work?" 

Clarence  N.  Ousley  addressed  the  convention  on  the  sub- 
ject of  "The  Press  and  Rural  Life."  The  following  papers, 
not  included  in  the  regular,  published  programme,  were  dis- 
cussed :  "What  is  the  Fair  Rate,  per  One  Thousand  Circula- 
tion, for  Stereotype  Advertising  in  a  Country  Weekly?" 
"Basis  for  Foreign  Advertising  and  the  Matter  of  Fake  Ad- 
vertising." Will  H.  Mayes  made  an  interesting  talk  on 
"Progress  in  Journalism."  The  annual  oration  was  by  J.  R. 
Ransone,  Jr.,  his  subject  being  "The  Preservation  of  Senti- 
ment." The  annual  essay  was  by  Miss  Margie  E.  Neal,  her 

257 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS. 

subject  being:  "A  Newspaper  Office  as  a  Great  School,  and 
How  to  Improve  Small  Papers." 

The  following  offered  by  T.  B.  Lusk,  was  adopted: 

"Whereas,  The  President  of  this  Association  has  called 
attention  to  the  fact  that  the  United  States  Government  is  in 
a  manner  engaged  in  the  job  printing  business,  and  that  the 
Government  goes  further  still  and  pays  transportation  to  the 
railroads  on  said  envelopes,  which  at  sixteen  cents  per  pound 
would  entail  an  additional  loss  of  sixty-four  cents  on  each  five 
hundred  envelopes ;  and 

"Whereas,  The  Postoffice  Department  of  the  United 
States  has  adopted  a  policy  of  soliciting,  through  advertise- 
ments and  other  means,  the  printing  of  personal  return  cards 
on  envelopes,  selling  them  at  a  price  which  hardly  covers  the 
cost  of  same,  thereby  coming  into  active  competition  with  the 
printing  industry  of  the  United  States ;  and 

"Whereas,  This  competition  is  unfair,  and  of  the  utmost 
injury  to  the  aforesaid  printing  industry ;  therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association,  in  annual 
convention  assembled,  does  hereby  request  the  Senators  and 
Congressmen  of  this  State  to  use  their  influence  and  support 
in  behalf  of  the  bill  now  pending  before  Congress,  with  a  view 
of  prohibiting  the  Government  from  competing  with  or  inter- 
fering with  the  printing  industry ;  and  be  it  further 

"Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  this  resolution  be  furnished 
each  and  every  Senator  and  Congressman  from  this  State." 

Miss  Maid  J.  Allen  offered  the  following,  which  was 
adopted : 

"Whereas,  The  farmers  of  the  State  are  represented  in  the 
educational  system  of  Texas  by  the  A.  &  M.  College  of  Texas, 
where  men  are  taught  practical  farming,  and  are  sent  out  to 
develop  the  resources  of  the  soil  of  this  State;  and 

"Whereas,  The  administration  of  its  affairs  has  been  en- 
trusted to  Robert  Milner,  who  for  many  years  was  a  news- 

258 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

paper  publisher  in  Texas,  and  who  is  plain  and  democratic  in 
all  things;  therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  we  commend  the  A.  &  M.  College  to  the 
agricultural  interests  of  Texas,  bespeaking  their  friendship 
and  support  for  it  and  its  work,  believing  that  through  its 
influence  great  good  can  come  to  Texas  and  Texas  farmers." 

The  following  offered  by  D.  Matt  Thrash,  was  adopted: 

"Whereas,  The  Texas  Press  Association  is,  and  should  be, 
the  source  of  incentive  and  higher  aspirations  for  a  greater 
press  in  Texas,  and  that  from  this  body  should  emanate  sug- 
gestions and  remedies  for  all  common  ills  of  the  mechanical; 
and 

"Whereas,  It  is  a  common  subject  of  remark  that  the 
average  newspaper,  journal,  or  periodical  published  in  our  fair 
State  is  uncommonly  full  of  typographical  errors ;  and  it  is 
also  common  knowledge  to  all  publishers  that  the  average 
editor  is  more  or  less  at  the  mercy  of  his  mechanical  depart- 
ment when  it  comes  to  issuing  the  finished  product  of  his 
publication;  and 

"Whereas,  It  is  the  opinion  of  the  members  of  the  Texas 
Press  Association  that  a  great  improvement  in  the  work  of  the 
mechanical  department  may  be  brought  about  by  a  little 
judicious  attention  and  a  proper  incentive  on  the  part  of  those 
engaged  in  the  production  of  newspapers  and  other  publica- 
tions of  the  State ;  therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association  offer  a  prize 
of  twenty  dollars  in  gold  to  the  newspaper  published  in  this 
State,  in  cities  of  twenty  thousand  or  less,  that  can  show  the 
smallest  percentage  of  typographical  errors  and  the  greatest 
general  neatness  between  this  and  the  next  meeting  of  this 
Association,  or  for  a  period  of  one  year,  the  committee  calling 
for  any  newspaper  at  will,  to  be  distributed  among  the  em- 
ployees of  the  mechanical  department  of  the  prize-winning 
paper,  according  to  such  rules  and  regulations  governing  thiy 
contest  as  may  be  set  forth  elsewhere  by  this  Association." 

259 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  committee  on  the  President's  address  reported : 

"We  indorse  the  address  as  an  able,  conservative  docu- 
ment, fair  in  the  treatment  of  the  issues  confronting  newspap- 
erdom.  In  our  opinion,  the  attitude  of  the  press  towards  the 
anti-pass  law  has  never  been  more  clearly  or  correctly  stated 
than  by  President  Gilmore  in  this  message. 

"Signed,  J.  H.  Lowry,  J.  S.  Hardy,  J.  A.  Thomas." 
""R.  E.  Yantis  made  a  minority  report,  as  follows : 

"I  indorse  the  above,  but  beg  to  add  that  it  is  the  sens^ 
of  this  Association  that  our  members  should  not  support  for 
legislative  offices  any  man  who  will  not  pledge  himself  to  vote 
for  a  bill  restoring  to  newspaper  publishers  the  right  of  con- 
tract." 

The  majority  report  was  adopted.  Motion  was  made  to 
table  the  minority  report  but  was  withdrawn  so  as  to  permit 
discussion.  Resolution  after  resolution  was  offered,  until 
finally  the  following  substitute,  offered  by  J.  A.  Thomas,  was 
adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  we  recommend  to  the  membership  of  the 
Association  that  we  urge  upon  the  membership  of  the  Legis- 
lature, individually  and  collectively,  the  justness,  the  fairness, 
and  the  reasonableness  of  the  'right  of  contract'  as  between 
railroads  and  newspapers ;  and  that  we  request  them  to  vote 
for  an  amendment  to  the  anti-pass  law  that  will  restore  to  the 
press  of  the  State  the  right  of  contract." 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership: 

Wm.  M.  Schofield,  Lockhart  Post ;  Sam  Braswell,  Moody  Courier ;  Miss 
Myrtle  Cox,  Marlin  Patriot;  Miss  Williemae  Warrock,  Marlin  Patriot;  A.  R. 
McCollum,  Waco  Tribune;  Shaw  D.  Ray,  Quitman  Democrat;  W.  H.  Hawkins, 
Stephenville  Empire;  J.  F.  Kennedy,  Mart  Herald;  R.  R.  Smith,  Pleasanton 
Monitor;  G.  E.  Watford,  Lufkin  Tribune;  A.  B.  Haworth,  Comanche  News; 
W.  T.  Carter,  Killeen  Herald;  R.  W.  Tonge,  Eddy  Herald;  R.  V.  Reavis,  Malone 
Register;  R.  Roy  Ruff,  Munday  Times. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws, 
abolishing  the  office  of  attorney  of  the  Association,  was  adopt- 
ed, but  was  later  reconsidered  and  the  recommendation  to 
abolish  that  office  was  defeated. 

260 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  members  of  the  Association  were  taken  to  the  Coun- 
try Club  on  the  banks  of  the  Brazos,  four  and  one-half  miles 
from  the  city,  where  all  enjoyed  a  fish  fry  and  had  a  good  time 
generally. 

The  following,  signed  by  F.  B.  Baillio,  F.  B.  Robinson,  C. 
F.  Lehmann  and  T.  E.  Streight,  was  unanimously  adopted : 

"Whereas,  It  is  the  custom  of  the  Texas  Press  Association 
to  extend  its  guardianship  to  all  the  interests  in  Texas,  which 
are  entitled  to  consideration  from  those  who  control  the  destin- 
ies of  the  press,  and  is  always  desirous  of  taking  into  its  warm 
embrace  the  loving  children  of  those  who  are  of  its  member- 
ship ;  and 

"Whereas,  William  Robert  Ransone,  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  of  Cleburne,  is  a  new  arrival  in  our  midst 
since  last  we  met,  and  it  is  our  desire  to  show  our  love  and 
affection  for  those  little  ones  who  come  unto  us ;  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  we  now  and  hereby  adopt  for  a  son  of  the 
Association,  William  Robert  Ransone,  and  extend  to  him  our 
guardianship  and  watchful  eye." 

Tom  H.  Bell  was  appointed  sergeant-at-arms,  to  see  that 
the  members  did  not  play  "hookey." 

On  motion  of  W.  A.  Bowen  that  a  committee  be  appointed 
to  secure  a  full  and  complete  file  of  the  minutes  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, as  far  as  possible,  and  have  them  bound  in  book  form 
for  the  preservation  of  the  history  of  the  Association,  the  chair 
appointed  F.  B.  Baillio,  Will  H.  Mayes  and  F.  B.  Robinson. 

C.  E.  Evans,  a  member  of  the  Conference  on  Education, 
addressed  the  convention  on. the  subject  of  education  in  Texas. 

W.  A.  Bowen  moved  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  in- 
vestigate, and  report  at  the  next  meeting,  upon  the  idea  of 
forming  a  permanent  chautauqua,  or  home  for  the  Association 
meetings,  to  be  located  at  Port  Lavaca,  where  the  Association 
owns  a  lot.  W.  A.  Bowen,  R.  E.  Yantis  and  C.  F.  Lehmann 
were  appointed  as  this  committee. 

261 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  retiring  president  was  presented  with  a  sterling  silver 
table  set.  F.  B.  Baillio  was  presented,  by  individual  friends 
in  the  Association,  with  a  cut-glass  water  set.  Stamford  was 
selected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting.  The  excursion  was  to 
Waco,  where  the  courtesies  of  that  city  were  extended  to  the 
editors  and  their  wives  and  daughters. 

Miss  Calel,  daughter  of  R.  E.  Yantis,  delighted  the  Asso- 
ciation with  a  violin  solo,  and  was  so  generously  applauded 
she  was  compelled  to  respond  to  an  encore. 

Officers  elected: 

President — W.    A.    Johnson,    Memphis    Herald; 
Vice   President — J.   R.   Ransone,   Jr.,    Cleburne   Enterprise; 
Secretary — Sam    P.    Harben,    Richardson    Echo; 
Assistant   Secretary — R.   F.   Gates,    Bartlett  Tribune; 
Treasurer— C    F.    Lehmann,    Hallettsville    Herald; 
Attorney — W.   W.   Walling,   San   Antonio; 
Essayist — T.    E.    Streight,    McGregor    Mirror; 
Orator — C.    B.    Gillespie,    Houston    Chronicle; 
Poet — John  P.  Cooper,  Anson  Western  Reporter; 
Flag    Custodian — J.    S.    Daley,   Dublin    Progress. 
Executive     Committee: 

First  District — Harvey  Miller,  New  Boston  News-Herald; 

Second  District — Miss  Margie  E.  Neal,  Carthage  Register; 

Third  District — F.  E.  Rafferty,  Tyler  Times; 

Fourth    District — Walter    B.    Wilson,    McKinney    Democrat- 
Gazette; 

Fifth  District— T.  B.  Lusk,  Italy  News-Herald; 

Sixth   District — A.   N.  Justiss,   Corsicana  Courier-Light; 

Seventh   District — H.  V.   Hamilton,   Palestine   Herald; 

Eighth   District — F.   M.   Littlepage,   Rountze   News; 

Ninth  District — W.  L.   Dubose,   Devine  News; 

Tenth    District — R.   A.    Alford,    Leander    Record; 

Eleventh  District — A.  R.  McCollum,  Waco  Tribune; 

Twelfth   District — Frank    Gaston,    Granbury   News; 

Thirteenth  District — Cyrus  Coleman,   Henrietta  Independent; 

Fourteenth    District — H.    F.    Mayes,    Brownwood    Bulletin; 

Fifteenth  District — F.  M.  Ge'tzend'aner,  Uvalde  Leader-News; 

Sixteenth  District — W.  E.  Gilliland,  Baird  Star. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed : 

262 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Legislation — T.  W.  Perkins,  C.  E.  Gilmore,  S.  J.  Thomas, 
H.  E.  Faubion ; 

Printing — Sumner  Lansdale,  Frank  Ezzell,  Sam  P.  Har- 
ben,  W.  A.  Holford; 

Programme — F.  B.  Baillio,  J.  J.  Taylor,  J.  S.  Hardy; 

Delegates  National  Editorial  Association — C.  N.  Ousley, 
T.  B.  Lusk,  J.  S.  Daley,  B.  C.  Murray,  W.  B.  Whitman,  Cyrus 
Coleman,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Sam  P.  Harben,  J.  E.  Davis,  J.  D. 
Moyer,  C.  E.  Gilmore; 

Alternate  Delegates— C.  W.  Wilson,  C.  W.  Edwards,  T. 
E.  Streight,  J.  M.  Lewis,  Orion  Procter,  J.  H.  Lowry,  N.  P. 
Houx,  R.  E.  Yantis,  John  M.  Weekly,  J.  M.  Kennedy; 

Committeeman  National  Editorial  Association — J.  P.  Chamb- 
less. 

Members  present  at  this  meeting: 

R.  W.  Tonge,  Eddy  Herald;  John  F.  Turner,  Shatter  Lake  Herald;  Clarence 
A.  Chambers,  Liberty  Vindicator ;  J.  H.  Lowry,  Honey  Grove  Signal ;  C.  E. 
Gilmore,  Wills  Point  Chronicle;  Sam  P.  Harben,  Richardson  Echo;  W.  A. 
Johnson,  Memphis  Herald;  J.  M.  Kennedy,  Marlin  Democrat;  John  F.  Lubben, 
Galveston  News ;  J.  S.  Hardy,  Ennis  News ;  Jas.  A.  Greer,  Stamford  Tribune ; 
Tom  H.  Bell,  Ladonia  News;  L.  Seabrook,  Port  Lavaca  Wave;  W.  F.  Carter, 
Killeen  Herald;  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Cleburne  Enterprise;  A.  A.  Abney,  Denton  News; 
Walter  B.  Wilson,  McKinney  Democrat-Gazette;  A.  R.  McColluin,  Waco  Tribune; 
Miss  Myrtle  Cox,  Marlin  Christian  Patriot;  Miss  Williemae  Warrock,  Marlin 
Christian  Patriot;  T.  E.  Streight,  McGregor  Mirror;  Shaw  D.  Ray,  Quitman  Dem- 
ocrat; H.  V.  Hamilton,  Palestine  Herald;  W.  H.  Mayes,  Brownwood  Bulletin; 
C.  W.  Wilson,  Mineral  Wells  Index;  Walter  B.  Whitman,  Holland's  Magazine; 
Fred  B.  Robinson,  Waco  Times-Herald ;  W.  L.  DuBose,  Devine  News ;  John  M. 
Weekly,  Ennis  Local ;  R.  V.  Reavis,  Malone  Register ;  B.  C.  Murray,  Denison 
Gazetteer;  W.  A.  Bowen,  Arlington  Journal;  W.  H.  Hawkins,  Stephenville 
Empire;  A.  L.  Holland,  Bellville  Times;  A.  S.  Crisp,  Cuero  Star;  J.  H.  Wurtz, 
San  Antonio  Light ;  R.  Roy  Ruff,  Munday  Times ;  W.  M.  Warlick,  Dallas  Texas 
Presbyterian ;  W.  L.  Warrock,  Rosebud  News ;  A.  N.  Justiss,  Corsicana  Courier- 
Light;  C.  W.  Taylor,  Rogers  News;  Sam  M.  Brasswell,  Moody  Courier;  John  P. 
Cooper,  Anson  Western  Reporter ;  Miss  Maid  J.  Allen,  Commerce  Commercial ; 
Wm.  T.  Eichholz,  Cuero  Rundschau;  C.  B.  Gillespie,  Houston  Chronicle;  T.  H. 
Napier,  Dallas  Times-Herald;  Thos.  B.  Lusk,  Italy  News-Herald;  R.  F.  Gates, 
Bartlett  Tribune ;  Sumner  Lansdale,  McKinney  Democrat-Gazette ;  A.  M.  Ken- 
nedy, Hillsboro  Record ;  J.  A.  Thomas,  Mineola  Monitor ;  R.  E.  Yantis,  Athens 
Review ;  H.  E.  Faubion,  Marble  Falls  Messenger ;  F.  M.  Littlepage,  Kountze 
News ;  Harvey  Miller,  New  Boston  News ;  A.  B.  Haworth,  Comanche  News ; 
G.  E.  Watford,  Lufkin  Tribune;  W.  C.  Edwards,  Denton  Record  and  Chronicle; 
Mrs.  J.  S.  Rowell,  Pearsall  News ;  E.  A.  Heath,  Hico  Review ;  C.  F.  Lehmann, 
Hallettsville  Herald;  J.  S.  Daley,  Dublin  Progress;  Perry  Hawkins,  Taylor 
Journal;  Cyrus  Coleman,  Henrietta  Independent;  John  E.  Davis,  Mesquitc  Mes- 

263 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

quiter ;  F.  E.  Rafferty,  Tyler  Times ;  J.  J.  Taylor,  Dallas  News ;  Ward  Taylor, 
Jefferson  Jimplecute ;  Miss  Margie  E.  Neal,  Carthage  Register;  J.  T.  Robison, 
Kosse  Cyclone ;  T.  W.  Perkins,  McKinney  Democrat-Gazette ;  J.  O.  Smith,  Elgin 
Courier ;  Clarence  Ousley,  Fort  Worth  Record ;  N.  P.  Houx,  Mexia  Ledger ; 
O.  P.  Gresham,  Temple  Mirror ;  H.  B.  Terrell,  West  Times ;  J.  F.  Kennedy, 
Mart  Herald;  F.  T.  Roche,  Georgetown  Sun;  F.  B.  Baillio,  Cleburne ;  E.  Goethe, 
Waco  Echo;  Joe  Sappington,  Joe  Sap's  Tales,  Temple;  E.  L.  Ramsey,  Thorn- 
dale  Thorn ;  S.  W.  Thomas,  Aspermont  Star ;  R.  R.  Smith,  Pleasanton  Monitor ; 
Wm.  M.  Schofield,  Lockhart  Post;  E.  M.  Chrestman,  Grand  Saline  Sun. 


Thirty-first  Annual  Convention — 1910 


HPHE  thirty-first  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press  Asso- 
1  ciation  was  held  in  the  Opera  House  in  Stamford,  and 
was  called  to  order  June  8,  1910,  by  President  W.  A.  Johnson. 
Dfr.  Jerome  Duncan,  President  of  Stamford  Collegiate  Insti- 
tute, delivered  the  address  of  welcome  after  Dr.  J.  T.  Griswold, 
pastor  of  the  .Stamford  Methodist  Church,  had  invoked  divine 
blessing  on  the  meetings  of  the  convention.  Response  to  the 
address  of  welcome  was  made  by  J.  H.  Lowry. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed: 

Membership — F.  E.  Baillio,  Cyrus  Coleman,  W.  Z.  Spear- 
man, Shaw  D.  Ray,  Harry  Galbraith ; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — T.  W.  Perkins,  C.  E.  Gilmore, 
J.  S.  Daley,  J.  H.  Lowry,  L.  Seabrook ; 

Resolutions— S.  J.  Thomas,  O.  P.  Gresham,  Ward  Taylor, 
W.  B.  Whitman,  J.  W.  Northrup ; 

Revision  of  Roll — Tom  B.  Lusk,  Sam  P.  Harben,  A.  N. 
Justiss,  Levi  A.  Dunlap,  W.  C.  Edwards ; 

Finance— J.  A.  Thomas,  Tom  H.  Bell,  R.  E.  Yantis,  Frank 
Ezzell,  F.  C.  Thompson; 

Memorial — W.  J.  Buie,  Sumner  Lansdale,  E.  P.  Haney, 
J.  E.  Railey,  G.  E.  Watford. 

Badges  bearing  the  name  of  the  wearer  were  distributed 
by  R.  C.  Dyer,  manager  of  the  Barnhart  Type  Founders  Com- 
pany of  Dallas. 

The    President's    address   was   referred   to   the   following 
committee:    F.  B.  Baillio,  Tom  H.  Bell  and  T.  W.  Perkins. 
The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

H.  T.  Timmons,  Roby  Banner;  Henry  Edwards,  Troup  Banner;  W.  G. 
Thomas,  Anson  Enterprise;  J.  D.  Hall,  Rule  Review;  B.  B.  Greenwood,  Stamford 
Tribune ;  Emmet  Smith,  Itasca  Item ;  R.  O.  Gresham,  Temple  Mirror ;  W.  W. 

265 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Simmons,  Celina  Record ;  W.  T.  Barnes,  Comanche  News ;  W.  S.  Spotts,  Bonham 
Favorite;  G.  W.  Faulkner,  Santa  Anna  News;  Robert  E.  Conner,  Lexington  En- 
terprise ;  Frank  M.  White,  Byers  Herald ;  Mrs.  W.  B.  Whitman,  Holland's  Mag- 
azine; R.  H.  Richardson,  Kemp  News;  J.  L.  Power,  Benjamin  Post;  Paul  Baker, 
Albany  News ;  W.  J.  Stephens,  Carbon  News ;  Ernest  Smart,  Leuders  Vanguard ; 
Charles  Key  Cullom,  Arlington  Journal ;  J.  E.  H.  Railey,  Weatherford  Herald ; 
F.  L.  Vanderburgh,  Hereford  Recorder;  J.  W.  Rogers,  Throckmorton  Times; 
Wilford  B.  Smith,  Dallas  Pitchfork;  A.  H.  Weston,  Colorado  City  Record;  M. 
Clendennin,  Munday  Times;  O.  C.  Harrison,  Seymour  Banner;  Mrs.  B.  C. 
Hines,  Abilene  Reporter. 

Papers  were  read  as  follows: 

W.  J.  Buie— "Cost  of  Job  Work"  (with  tabular  demon- 
stration). 

J.  A.  Thomas— "Is  Ten  Cents  per  Inch  a  Profitable  Rate 
for  Advertising  in  a  Country  Weekly?" 

J.  S.  Daley— "The  Cost  Each  Week  of  Getting  Out  a 
Country  Weekly  of  Six  Columns,  Eight  Pages,  per  One  Thou- 
sand Circulation." 

Jesse  D.  Moffit— "A  Good  System  of  Book-Keeping  for 
a  Country  Newspaper  Office." 

W.  A.  Bowen— "The  Press,  Past  and  Present." 

W.  E.  Gilliland— "Can  a  Weekly  Paper  Be  Made  Profita- 
ble Without  the  Aid  of  a  Job  Office?" 

R.  E.  Yantis— "How  to  Make  a  Small  Daily  Pay." 

J.  H.  Lowry — "How  I  Sustain  Friendly  Relations  With 
my  Competitor." 

Harry  Koch — "Journalism  in  the  Bounding,  Booming 
West." 

Joe  J.  Taylor— "The  Weekly  Press  of  Texas." 

Eugene  Thompson — "The  Material  Man  and  the  Pub- 
lisher." 

C.  E.  Gilmore — "Is  a  Premium  List  Profitable  in  Building 
Up  a  Circulation?" 

R.  C.  Dyer— "The  Value  of  Credit  to  the  Publisher." 

At  the  evening  session  of  the  first  day,  a  meeting  was 
held  in  the  Stamford  Collegiate  Institute,  where  the  Associa- 
tion was  entertained  with  a  violin  solo  by  Miss  Josie  May 
Griswold;  a  song,  "Texas,"  composed  by  Mrs.  Day  of  Rotan, 

266 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

by  six  male  voices ;  a  reading  by  Miss  Caroline  Duncan  of 
Stamford ;  and  an  address  on  "Higher  Education,"  by  Dr.  S. 
E.  Mezes,  President  of  the  State  University. 

Ashley  Evans  and  W.  S.  Spotts  discussed  "The  Advan- 
tages of  a  Semi-Weekly  Over  a  Weekly."  The  question  of 
foreign  advertising  was  freely  discussed.  Judge  V.  W.  Grubbs 
addressed  the  convention  on  the  subject  of  "Industrial  Educa- 
tion" and  asked  the  assistance  of  the  Association  in  his  life 
work.  Professor  Alex  C.  Hogg  of  Fort  Worth  made  an 
address  on  "The  Reciprocal  Duties  Between  the  Tax-Payers 
and  the  Public  Schools."  C.  E.  Gilmore,  by  invitation,  address- 
ed the  convention  on  the  abuses  of  the  Texas  penitentiary 
system. 

The  following  was  submitted : 

"We,  your  committee  appointed  to  visit  Port  Lavaca  and 
inspect  the  sites  proffered  the  Texas  Press  Association  for  a 
permanent  home,  beg  leave  to  present  the  following  report : 

''We  visited  Port  Lavaca  in  September  last,  and  the  enter- 
prising citizens  of  that  city,  after  showing  us  every  possible 
courtesy,  took  us  to  view  three  sites.  We  are  of  the  opinion 
and,  after  carefully  considering  the  matter  and  the  surround- 
ings, recommend  that  the  Texas  Press  Association  accept  the 
ten  acres  offered  us  north  of  and  adjoining  the  city  and  the 
bay  shore.  The  citizens  offer  us  this  site  in  fee  simple,  with 
only  the  proviso  that  we  improve  the  same  within  a  reasona- 
ble time. 

"Signed,  W.  A.  Bowen,  R.  E.  Yantis,  C.  F.  Lehmann." 

After  full  and  free  discussion  the  adoption  of  the  report 
was  deferred,  and  carried  over  to  the  next  meeting  as  unfinish- 
ed business.  Dr.  A.  Bailey  of  Rockport  presented  to  the 
Association  a  proposition  for  the  establishment  of  a  permanent 
home  at  Rockport.  The  motion  that  the  Texas  Press  Associa- 
tion choose  a  permanent  home  was  discussed  and  defeated. 

Officers  elected : 
President — J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Cleburne  Enterprise; 

267 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Vice    President — J.   A.   Thomas,    Mineola   Monitor; 

Secretary — Sam    P.    Harben,    Richardson   Echo; 

Assistant  Secretary — R.  F.  Gates,  Bartlett  Tribune; 

Treasurer — C.   F.   Lehmann,   Hallettsville   Herald; 

Attorney — Homer  D.  Wade,  Stamford; 

Flag  Custodian — J.   S.  Daley,   Dublin  Progress; 

Essayist — Ashley    Evans,    Bonham    News; 

Orator — Sumner   Lansdale,,  McKinney   Courier-Gazette; 

Poet — W.    Z.    Spearman,    Whitewright    Sun. 

Executive    Committee: 

First   District — R.    B.    Lockhart,    Pittsburg    Gazette; 

Second   District — Ward  Taylor,  Jefferson  Jimplecute; 

Third    District — H.    Galbraith,    Terrell    Transcript; 

Fourth    District — Joe    J.    Taylor,    Dallas    News; 

Fifth    District — Sumner    Lansdale,    McKinney    Courier- 
Gazette; 

Sixth   District — E.   D.   Dunlap,   Mexia   Enterprise; 

Seventh  District — H.  V.  Hamilton,  Palestine  Herald; 

Eighth   District — F.   M.   Littlepage,  Kountze   News; 

Ninth    District — L.    Seabrook,    Port   Lavaca   Wave; 

Tenth    District — Frank    Gates,    Bartlett    Tribune; 

Eleventh    District — A.   R.   McCollum,   Waco   Tribune; 

Twelfth   District — W.   C.   Edwards,   Denton   Record  and 
Chronicle; 

Thirteenth  District — Cyrus  Coleman,  Henrietta  Independent; 

Fourteenth  District — Will  H.  Mayes,  Brownwood  Bulletin; 

Fifteemtfh  District — F.  M.  Getzendaner,  Uvalde  Leader-News; 

Sixteenth    District — W.    E.    Gilliland,    Baird    Star. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed : 

Legislative— C.  E.  Gilmore,  T.  W.  Perkins,  W.  B.  Whit- 
man, S.  J.  Thomas,  W.  A.  Johnson ; 

Printing — Sam  P.  Harben,  Tom  Bell,  Ernest  Logsdon, 
O.  P.  Gresham ; 

Programme — R.  E.  Yantis,  F.  B.  Baillio,  W.  A.  Bowen, 
T.  H.  Lowry; 

Delegates  National  Editorial  Association — A.  A.  Abney, 
Ashley  Evans,  W.  M.  Warlick,  John  E.  Davis,  C.  W.  Taylor, 
W.  H.  Hawkins,  John  T.  Risien,  T.  B.  Lusk,  Levi  A.  Dunlap, 
A.  N.  Justiss,  Frank  Ezzell ; 

268 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Alternate  Delegates— C.  W.  Wilson,  R.  R.  Ruff,  F.  E. 
Rafferty,  N.  P.  Houx,  John  M.  Weekly,  J.  S.  Hardy,  W.  Z. 
Spearman,  Cyrus  Coleman,  Frank  Gaston,  Miss  Margie  E. 
Neal,  F.  B.  Robinson; 

Committeeman  National  Editorial  Association — Sam  P. 
Harhen. 

The  following  report  of  the  committee  on  resolutions  was 
adopted: 

"Resolved,  That  this  Association  express  its  disapproval 
of  the  practice  of  the  Government  in  printing  special  request 
envelopes  free  of  charge  to  the  purchaser,  believing  the  prac- 
tice to  be  not  only  a  perversion  of  the  duties  of  the  Govern- 
ment, but  absolutely  indefensible,  an  invasion  of  private  rights 
and  an  extravagant  and  wasteful  policy. 

"Resolved,  That  we  register  our  protest  against  the  prac- 
tice and  urge  our  Representatives  and  Senators  in  Congress 
from  Texas  to  take  active,  earnest,  and  persistent  steps  toward 
the  abolition  of  it. 

"Resolved,  That  the  secretary  of  this  Association  forward 
to  each  of  our  Representatives  and  Senators  a  copy  of  this 
resolution." 

The  following  amendment  to  the  by-laws  submitted  by  the 
committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws,  was  adopted : 

"Section  20.  All  proposed  resolutions,  except  those  prop- 
erly originating  with  the  committee  on  resolutions,  which  shall 
be  limited  to  resolutions  of  thanks  for  courtesies  shown  the 
Association,  shall  be  first  introduced  on  the  floor  of  the  con- 
vention. Such  resolutions  shall,  unless  otherwise  ordered  by 
a  majority  vote  of  the  Association,  be  referred  to  the  committee 
on  resolutions  and  a  report  be  made  by  that  committee  recom- 
mending the  adoption  or  rejection  of  such  resolutions,  the 
report  of  the  committee  to  be  passed  upon  by  the  Association." 

The  annual  poem,  "The  Texas  Press,"  was  by  John  P. 
Cooper.  Judd  Mortimer  Lewis  told  of  "The  Difference  Be- 
tween a  Journalist  and  an  Editor."  The  retiring  president  was 

269 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

presented  with  a  sterling  silver  table  service.  Port  Lavaca 
was  selected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting. 

The  excursion  was  to  the  Spur  Ranch  where  the  members 
of  the  Association  were  entertained  with  an  old-fashioned 
"round-up"  and  a  barbecue ;  then  to  the  town  of  Spur,  whose 
citizens  gave  the  editors  a  hearty  welcome.  It  should  be  added 
also  that  the  people  of  Stamford  gave  the  members  an  automo- 
bile ride  to  Hamlin  and  Anson  on  the  afternoon  of  the  second 
day  of  the  convention. 

The  following  members  responded  to  call  of  the  roll : 

A.  A.  Abney,  Denton  News;  F,  B.  Baillio,  Cleburne ;  Tom  H.  Bell, 
Ballinger  Ledger;  R.  F.  Gates,  Bartlett  Tribune;  M.  Clendennin,  Munday  Times; 
J.  S.  Daley,  Stamford  News ;  Edwin  D.  Dunlap,  Mexia  Enterprise ;  Ashley  Evans. 
Bonham  News ;  Frank  Ezzell,  Ferris  Wheel ;  H.  Galbraith,  Terrell  Transcript ;  O. 
P.  Gresham,  Temple  Pythian  Banner-Knight;  C.  E.  Gilmore,  Wills  Point  Chronicle; 
Jas.  A.  Greer,  Stamford  Tribune;  Sam  P.  Harben,  Richardson  Echo;  J.  D.  Hall, 
Rule  Review;  Mrs.  B.  C.  Hines,  Abilene  Reporter;  A  N.  Justiss,  Corsicana 
Courier-Light;  J.  H.  Lowry,  Honey  Grove  Signal;  Ernest  Logsdon,  Piano  Star- 
Courier;  D.  J.  Moffitt,  Pilot  Point  Post-Signal;  C.  N.  Ousley,  Fort  Worth 
Record ;  Tom  W.  Perkins,  McKinney  Courier-Gazette :  Ernest  Rafferty,  Tyler 
Courier-Times ;  Shaw  D.  Ray,  Winnsboro  Free  Press ;  R.  Roy  Ruff,  Munday  Times ; 

F.  T.    Roche,    Georgetown    Sun ;    J.    M.    Shafer,    Plainview    HeraM ;    Emmet    Smith, 
Itasca    Item ;    W.    Z.    Spearman,    Whitewright    Sun ;    W.    J.    Stephens,    Carbon    News ; 
Ward   Taylor,    Jefferson   Jimplecute;    C.    W.    Taylor,   Rogers    News;    W.    G.    Thomas, 
Anson    Enterprise;    J.    A.    Thomas,    Mineola    Monitor;    S.    W.    Thomas,    Aspermont 
Star;     F.     L.    Vanderburg,    Hereford     Recorder;     Louis    J.     Wortham,     Fort     Worth 
Star-Telegram ;    W.    B.    Whitman,    Holland's    Magazine ;    A.    H.      Weston,    Colorado 
Record ;    W.   A.    Bowen,   Arlington  Journal ;    W.   T.    Barnes,    Comanche   News ;    W.    J. 
Buie,    Railway    Journal,    El    Paso ;    Cyrus    Coleman,    Henrietta    Independent ;    Robert 
E.     Conner,     Lexington     Enterprise ;     Levi    A.    Dunlap,     Meridian     Tribune ;     Ed     P. 
Eason,     Winters     Enterprise;     Henry     Edwards,     Troup     Banner;     W.     C.     Edwards, 
Denton   Record   and   Chronicle;    G.    W.    Faulkner,   Santa   Anna    News;    Frank   Gaston, 
Granbury    News ;    R.    O.     Gresham,    Temple    Mirror ;     B.     B.     Greenwood,    Stamford 
Tribune;   E.   P.   Haney,   Byers  Searchlight;   A.    B.   Haworth,   Comanche  News;   O.    C. 
Harrison,    Seymour    Banner;    W.    A.    Johnson,    Memphis    Herald;    Sumner    Lansdale, 
McKinney     Courier-Gazette ;     C.     F.     Lehmann,    Hallettsville    Herald ;     T.     B.     Lusk, 
Italy  News-Herald ;   J.   W.   Northrup,   Giddings   News ;    G.   J.    Palmer,   Houston   Post ; 
J.    E.    H.   Railey,  Weatherfond   Herald;    John   T.    Risien,    Carrollton   Chronicle;    J.    R. 
Ransone,   Jr.,    Cleburne    Enterprise;   J.   W.    Rogers,    Throckmorton    Times;    Jim    Tom 
Story,  Jr.,   Mineral  Wells;   W.    W.   Simmons,   Celina  Record;   W.   S.    Spotts,   Bonham 
Favorite ;     L.    Seabrook,    Port    Lavaca    Wave ;     Ernest    Smart,     Leuders    Vanguard ; 
Joe    J.    Taylor,    Dallas    News;    H.    T.    Timmons,    Roby    Banner;    F.    C.    Thompson, 
McKinney  Examiner;   S.  J.  Thomas,   Comanche  Chief;   R.   W.   Tonge,   Eddy  Herald; 

G.  E.    Watford,    Lufkin    Tribune;    S.    A.    Wilkinson,    Palmer    Rustler;    Mrs.    W.    B. 
Whitman,    Holland's    Magazine;    R.    E.    Yantis,    Athens    Review. 


270 


Thirty-second  Annual  Convention — 191  1 


T^HE  thirty-second  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
•••  Association  was  held  in  the  courthouse  of  Calhoun  County 
in  Port  Lavaca,  and  was  called  to  order  by  President  J.  R. 
Ransone,  Jr.,  May  n,  1911.  After  the  Goodrick  Concert  Band 
had  rendered  "America,"  Hon.  John  B.  Mahon  delivered  the 
address  of  welcome  from  the  people  of  Port  Lavaca.  The. 
response  on  behalf  of  the  Association  was  by  G.  H.  Boynton. 

The  following  committees  were  announced: 

Membership — F.  B.  Baillio,  L.  Seabrook,  W.  A.  Johnson, 
O.  P.  Gresham,  C.  F.  Lehmann ; 

Constitution  and   By-Laws — W.   C.   Edwards,  C.  E.  Gil- 
more,  Ernest  Logsdon,  A.  B.  Haworth,  Joe  Sappington ; 

Resolutions— R.  E.  Yantis,  W.  M.  Warlick,  A.  M.  Ken- 
nedy, W.  G.  Sterett,  J.  A.  Thomas ; 

Revision  of  Roll — Sam  P.  Harben,  T.  B.  Lusk,  Shaw  D. 
Ray,  Henry  Reese,  Jr.,  Tom  H.  Bell ; 

Finance — W.  H.  Whitley,  Frank  Cates,  R.  O.  Gresham, 
J.  O.  Smith,  T.  W.  Perkins ; 

Memorial — Ashley   Evans,   Miss   Margie   E.   Neal,  J.   M. 
Lewis,  J.  J.  Taylor,  A.  R.  McCollum. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

•  Franklin  Woemer  DeCroix,  Hearne  Democrat;  P.  H.  Roberts,  Jr.,  Conroe 
Courier;  Mrs.  Grace  I.  Mitchell,  Robstown  Reporter;  C.  R.  Coulter,  Stephen- 
ville  Tribune ;  John  R.  Lunsford,  San  Antonio  Express ;  LeRoy  G.  Stump,  Port 
Arthur  News ;  W.  J.  Williams,  Lometa  Reporter ;  T.  J.  Cunningham,  Comanche 
Chief;  Robert  A.  Higgins,  Houston  Post;  T.  R.  Sparkman,  Rockport  Tribune; 
James  I.  Toner,  Kingsville  Record ;  W.  Straley,  Hico  Review ;  H.  K.  Staples, 
Edna  Herald ;  Chas.  S.  Diehl,  San  Antonio  Light ;  D.  L.  Stump,  Palacios  Beacon ; 
Sam  H.  Dixon,  Texas  Farm  and  Fireside,  Houston;  Ed  Laney,  Naples  Monitor; 
Ross  Simpson,  Grand  Prairie  Texan ;  W.  F,.  Cook,  Victoria  Facts ;  O.  H.  Poole, 
Cleburne  Review ;  D.  R.  Harris,  Henderson  News ;  H.  F,.  Ellis,  Groesbeck  Journal ; 
Maury  Haltom,  Nacogdoches  Sentinel ;  E.  K.  Williams,  Temple  Telegram ;  George 
McQuaid,  Galveston  News ;  J.  M.  Cooney,  Port  Lavaca  Times ;  H.  L.  Beach, 
San  Antonio  Light.  t 

271 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Papers  were  read  as  follows : 

F.  B.  Baillio— "Texas  Under  Six  Flags." 

W.  C.  Edwards— "Should  the  Press  Give  Free  Publicity 
to  Fairs  and  Meetings  of  any  Character  Calculated  to  Boost 
Certain  Cities  and  Localities?" 

W.  A.  Bowen — "The  Sphere  and  Influence  of  the  Rural 
Press." 

S.  C.  Dobbs  of  Atlanta,  Georgia — "The  Liability  of  the 
Newspaper  Publisher  to  His  Readers." 

Ashley  Evans — "Should  Newspapers  Accept  as  Paid  Mat- 
ter Arguments,  Political  or  Otherwise,  in  Conflict  With  Its 
Own  Views?" 

Tom  H.  Bell — "Is  There  any  Reason  Why  Newspaper 
Ethics  Should  not  be  as  Broad  as  Lawyers'  Ethics?" 

F.  M.  Getzendaner — "Are  Voting  Contests  Profitable,  and 
Should  They  be. Engaged  in  by  Members  of  This  Association?" 

R.  C.  Dyer — "The  Mechanical  Side  of  Newspaper  Mak- 
ing." 

A.  S.  Crisp  addressed  the  convention  on  "the  aims,  pur- 
poses and  business  of  the  Printers'  Mutual  Fire  Insurance 
Association  of  Texas."  R.  S.  Van  Pelt  of  Philadelphia,  who 
had  been  in  Texas  several  weeks  going  over  the  matter  of 
printer's  cost  with  the  job  printers,  showed  by  the  aid  of 
charts  the  cost  of  jobs  from  the  time  they  were  figured  on 
until  delivered  to  the  customer.  "Combats  and  Conquests  of 
Immortal  Heroes,"  a  book  of  more  than  passing  interest,  was 
presented  to  the  Association  by  its  author,  Charles  M.  Barnes 
of  the  San  Antonio  Express. 

As  Governor  O.  B.  Colquitt  could  not  be  present,  as  was 
expected,  Hon.  Sid  J.  Thomas,  a  beloved  member  of  the  Asso- 
ciation and  Superintendent  of  the  Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum  at 
Austin,  explained  why  the  Governor  could  not  attend  the  con- 
vention, and  then  outlined  his  (Thomas')  work,  stating  that 
he  had  more  than  four  hundred  and  fifty  children  under  his 
charge  and  that  the  work  was  very  interesting. 

272 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  committee  on  the  President's  address  expressed  the 
opinion  that  it  was  one  of  the  ablest,  most  timely  and  patriotic 
addresses  ever  delivered  before  Texas  editors.  Limitations  of 
space  preclude  a  summary  of  the  address  in  this  volume. 

During  the  convention  the  Calhoun  County  Times,  J.  M. 
Cooney  editor  and  publisher,  issued  "The  Convention  Times" 
(daily),  which  was  much  appreciated. 

A  resolution  offered  by  the  committee  on  Finance,  that  the 
dues  of  the  delegates  to  the  National  Editorial  Association  be 
not  paid  out  of  the  funds  of  the  Texas  Press  Association,  was 
adopted. 

G.  H.  Boynton  offered  the  following,  which  was  adopted: 

"Resolved,  That  this  Association  commend  the  stand  taken 
by  our  Representatives  in  the  National  Congress,  including 
our  two  Senators,  upon  the  Tou  Velle  bill,  prohibiting  the 
printing  and  sale  of  envelopes  by  the  Government  and  de- 
nounce the  action  of  those  responsible  for  smothering  the  bill 
in  committee. 

'Resolved,  That  this  Association  call  upon  the  newspaper 
editors  and  publishers  of  other  States,  especially  those  of  the 
States  whose  Senators  are  willing  to  perpetuate  so  great  an 
injustice  upon  the  country  press,  that  they  wage  a  vigorous 
campaign  against  the  outrageous  custom  to  the  end  that  it 
be  discontinued." 

The  following  officers  were  elected : 
President — J.    A.   Thomas,    Mineola    Monitor; 

Vice   President — W.   C.   Edwards,   Denton   Record  and   Chronicle; 
Secretary — Sam   P.   Harben,   Richardson   Echo; 
Assistant    Secretary — R.    F.    Gates,    Bartlett   Tribune; 
Treasurer — C.   F.   Lehmann,   Hallettsville   Herald; 
Attorney — A.    B.    Haworth,    Comanche; 
Flag    Custodian — J.    S.    Daley,    Dublin    Progress; 
Essayist — Miss  Maid  J.  Allen,  Commerce  Commercial; 
Orator — F.    M.    Getzendaner,    Uvalde    Leader-News; 
Poet — W.    S.    Spotts,    Bonham    Favorite. 
Executive    Committee — J.    G.    Marshall,    Paris    News;    Henry   Ed- 

273 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

wards,  Tnoup  Banner',  W.  B.  Whitman,  Holland's  Magazine,  Dal- 
las; C.  H.  McMaster,  Galveston  Tribune;  Ernst  Goethe,  Weimar 
Mercury;  A.  R.  McCollum,  Waco  Tribune;  Cyrus  Coleman,  Hen- 
rietta Independent;  F.  M.  Getzendaner,  Uvalde  Leader-News;  R. 
O.  Gresham,  Temple  Mirror;  Miss  Margie  E.  Neal,  Carthage  Regis- 
ter; Zeb  Spearman,  Whitewrig'ht  Sun;  N.  P.  Houx,  Mexia  News; 
J.  M.  Lewis,  Houston  Post;  R.  F.  Gates,  Bartlett  Tribune;  J.  P. 
Chambless,  Cleburne  Chronicle;  J.  R.  Lunsfcwd,  San  Antonio  Ex- 
press; W.  E.  Gilliland,  Baird  Star. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed : 

Legislative — A.  S.  Crisp,  W.  A.  Johnson,  E.  P.  Haney,  S. 
J.  Thomas; 

Printing — Sam  P.  Harben,  Frank  Ezzell,  W.  M.  Warlick, 
John  E.  Davis. 

Programme— F.  B.  Baillio,  T.  B.  Lusk,  J.  J.  Taylor,  D.  R. 
Harris,  F.  C.  Thompson ; 

Delegates,  National  Editorial  Association — R.  E.  Yantis, 
J.  H.  Lowry,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  W.  A.  Bowen,  W.  H.  Whitley, 
H.  V.  Hamilton,  Charles  M.  Barnes,  J.  S.  Hardy,  Ernest  Logs- 
don,  Tom  H.  Bell,  G.  H.  Boynton,  J.  H.  Wurtz ; 

Alternate  Delegates — Bruce  McCarty,  E.  M.  Chrestman, 
R.  R.  Smith,  Will  A.  Holford,  J.  D.  Moffitt,  Shaw  D.  Ray,  J. 
A.  Phillips,  W.  L.  West,  J.  T.  Risien,  A.  N.  Justiss,  J.  E. 
Grinstead. 

Temple  was  selected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting,  over 
San  Antonio,  Galveston,  Port  Arthur,  Kingsville  and  Hous- 
ton. President  Ransone  was  presented  with  a  beautiful  cut- 
glass  punch  bowl.  The  excursion  was  to  Port  O'Connor  where 
the  editors  were  treated  royally.  The  fish  fry  and  barbecue 
on  Magnolia  Beach  was  by  no  means  the  least  enjoyable  fea- 
ture of  the  entertainment  provided  by  the  hospitable  people  of 
Port  Lavaca. 

Members  present  at  Port  Lavaca: 

Joe  Sappington,  Joe  Sap's  Tales,  Temple ;  A.  M.  Kennedy,  Marlin  Democrat ; 
R.  O.  Gresham,  Temple  Mirror ;  Sam  H.  Dixon,  Texas  Farm  and  Fireside,  Houston ; 
R.  A.  Higgins,  Houston  Post ;  J.  H.  Lowry,  Honey  Grove  Signal ;  J.  T.  Cun- 
ningham, Comanche  Chief;  G.  H.  Boynton,  Hamilton  Herald;  F.  M.  Getzendaner, 

274 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Uvalde  Leader-News;  W.  G.  Sterett,  Part  Lavaca  Life;  H.  E.  Ellis,  Groesbeck 
Journal ;  Bruce  McCarty,  Eagle  Lake  Headlight ;  E.  K.  Williams,  Temple  Tel- 
egram;  J.  M.  Cunningham,  Kennedy  Advance;  A.  S.  Crisp,  Cuero  Star;  W.  Straley, 
Hico  Review;  E.  P.  Haney,  Henrietta  Searchlight;  James  I.  Toner,  Kingsville 
Record ;  E.  Goethe,  Weimar  Mercury ;  W.  Z.  Spearman,  Whitewright  Sun ; 
R.  C.  Coulter,  Stephenville  Tribune ;  John  R.  Lunsford,  San  Antonio  Express ; 
Tom  B.  Lusk,  Italy  News-Herald;  W.  M.  Warlick,  Dallas  Presbyterian;  J.  O. 
Smith,  Elgin  Courier ;  Judd  M.  Lewis,  Houston  Post ;  J.  J.  Taylor,  Dallas  News ; 
C.  E.  Gilmore,  Wills  Point  Chronicle;  W.  H.  Wihitley,  McGregor  Mirror;  D.  R. 
Harris,  Henderson  News ;  O.  P.  Gresham,  Temple  Banner  Knight ;  R.  F.  Gates, 
Bartlett  Tribune;  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Cleburne  Enterprise;  Maury  Haltom,  Nacog- 
doches  Sentinel ;  W:.  A.  Bowen,  Arlington  Journal ;  G.  J.  Marshall,  Paris  News ; 
J.  C.  Florea,  Richmond  Coaster ;  Wm.  T.  Eichholz,  Cuero  Deutsche  Rundschau ;  T. 
R.  Sparkman,  Rockport  Tribune ;  P.  O.  Wilson,  Taylor  Texan ;  Wm.  Schofield, 
Lockhart  Post;  Henry  Reese,  Jr.,  Gonzales  Inquirer;  J.  M.  Cooney,  Port  Lavaca 
Times;  George  McQuaid,  Galveston  News;  Tom  H.  Bell,  Weatherford  Herald; 
J.  H.  Wurtz,  San  Antonio  Light;  Mrs.  E.  M.  Chrestman,  Grand  Saline  Sun; 
W.  C.  Edwards,  Denton  Record  and  Chronicle ;  Ashley  Evans,  Bonham  News ; 
W.  S.  Spotts,  Bonham  Favorite ;  W.  A.  Johnson,  Memphis  Herald ;  W.  C.  Vogel, 
Dallas  Feld  and  Flur ;  Ernest  Logsdon,  Piano  Star-Courier ;  L.  Seabrook,  Port 
Lavaca  Wave;  J.  A.  Thomas,  Mineola  Monitor;  F.  B.  Baillio,  Cleburne;  A.  B. 
Haworth,  Comanche ;  LeRoy  G.  Stump,  Port  Arthur  News;  W.  L.  West,  Living- 
ston Enterprise ;  S  J.  Thomas,  Austin ;  J.  L.  McCaleb,  Carrizo  Springs  Javelin ; 
W.  W.  Dexter,  Houston  Texas  Banker;  Miss  Margie  E.  Neal,  Carthage  Register; 
T.  W.  Perkins,  McKinney  Gazette;  P.  H.  Roberts,  Jr.,  Conroe  Courier;  Chas.  M. 
Barnes,  San  Antonio  Express ;  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville  Herald ;  R.  E.  Yantis, 
Athens  Review ;  Mrs.  Grace  Mitchell,  Robstown  Reporter ;  Shaw  D.  Ray,  Winns- 
boro  Free  Press ;  H.  K.  Staples,  Edna  Herald ;  J.  A.  Proske,  Giddings  Volksblatt ; 
W.  E.  Gilliland,  Baird  Star;  Sam  P.  Harben,  Richardson  Echo;  J.  C.  Howerton, 
Cuero  Record ;  D.  L.  Stump,  ^alacios  Beacon ;  W.  E.  Cook,  Victoria  Facts. 


275 


Thirty-third  Annual  Convention — 19 1  2 


THE  thirty-third  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
Association  was  held  in  the  auditorium  of  the  Carnegie 
Library  in  Temple,  and  was  called  to  order  May  16,  1912,  by 
President  J.  A.  Thomas.  Father  Heckman,  pastor  of  the  Cath- 
olic Church  of  Temple,  invoked  divine  blessings  and  guidance. 
Hon.  P.  L.  Downs  welcomed  the  Association  on  behalf  of  the 
city  of  Temple.  Sid  J.  Thomas  responded  on  behalf  of  the 
Association.  Miss  Laura  Hamner  of  the  Temple  High  School 
welcomed  the  Association  to  the  city  and  invited  the  editors 
to  visit  the  school,  where  later  an  informal  reception  was  held. 

The  following  committees  were  announced : 

Finance — O.  H.  Poole,  W.  Straley,  F.  B.  Robinson,  Harry 
Koch,  Frank  Ezzell ; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws— D.  R.  Harris,  W.  B.  Whit- 
man, W.  Z.  Spearman,  J.  D.  Hall,  Shaw  D.  Ray ; 

Memorial— W.  A.  Bowen,  R.  E.  Yantis,  A.  R.  McCollum, 
C.  W.  Geers,  Joe  Sappington ; 

Resolutions — Lee  J.  Rountree,  Will  H.  Mayes,  Mrs. 
Grace  I.  Mitchell,  W.  M.  Warlick,  Harve  P.  Nelson; 

Membership — F.  B.  Baillio,  H.  F.  Mayes,  Harry  Galbraith, 
Levi  A.  Dunlap,  W.  C.  Edwards ; 

Revision  of  Roll— W.  H.  Whitley,  W.  A.  Johnson,  O.  P, 
Gresham,  J.  M.  Lewis,  W.  M.  Cobb. 

The  President's  address  was  referred  to  Lee  J.  Rountree, 
C.  F.  Lehmann  and  C.  E.  Gilmore  as  a  committee. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

O.  P.  Pyle,  Belton  Journal;  M.  P.  Daniel,  Teague  Herald;  S.  W.  Barnhill, 
Fort  Worth  Railway  Journal ;  R.  G.  Hollingsworth,  Coleman  Democrat- Voice ; 
S.  C.  Findley,  Comanche  Pioneer- Exponent ;  Will  A.  Harris,  Woodman  Journal ; 
A.  H.  Luker,  Grapeland  Messenger;  Henry  Hurr,  Flatonia  Argus;  A.  A.  Wortham, 
Corsicana  Sun ;  H.  A.  Gibbs,  Harlingen  Star ;  L,.  E.  Dicus,  Bonham  News ;  J.  O. 
Nash,  I>rena  Register;  E.  G.  Chiles,  Cleburne  Review;  R.  A.  Gates,  Centerville 
Record ;  W.  A.  Smith,  San  Saba  News ;  R.  L.  Fox,  Moody  Courier ;  Ed.  F.  Black- 

276 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

shear,  Navasota  Examiner- Review ;  G.  P.  Power,  Hamlin  Printing  Co. ;  Maurice 
Bell,  May  Messenger;  J.  C.  Thomas,  Childress  Post;  H.  A.  McDougle,  Tyler 
Courier-Times;  D.  H.  Cunningham,  Jr.,  Comanche  Pioneer- Exponent ;  M.  E.  Lan- 
caster, Lett  Tribune;  John  E.  Cooke,  Rockdale  Reporter;  G.  B.  Whitley,  Italy 
News-Herald ;  H.  B.  Burke,  Briggs  Review ;  A.  W.  Sledge,  Ballinger  Banner- 
Leader  ;  Robert  Phillips,  Iredell  Sentinel ;  James  Howerton,  Hallettsville  Herald ; 
Miss  Carrie  F.  Childress,  Sipe  Springs  Record ;  A.  C.  Baldwin,  Austin  Tribune. 

The  following  members  responded  to  call  of  the  roll: 

Ross  Simpson,  Grand  Prairie  Texan ;  R.  A.  Gates,  Centerville  Record ;  R.  L. 
Fox,  Moody  Courier;  Henry  Hurr,  Flatonia  Argus;  C.  W.  Geers,  Fort  Worth 
S.  W.  Magazine;  J.  P.  Nash,  Lorena  Register;  W.  A.  Smith,  San  Saba  News;  Ed. 
F.  Blackshear,  Navasota  Examiner-Review ;  Will  A.  Harris,  Woodman  Journal ; 
W.  J.  Williams,  Lometa  Reporter;  Mrs.  W.  B.  Whitman,  Holland's  Magazine;  R. 
F.  Gates,  Bartleft  Tribune ;  John  R.  Lunsford,  San  Antonio  Express ;  J.  H.  Lowry, 
Honey  Grove  Signal ;  Lee  J.  Rountree,  Georgetown  Commercial ;  J.  A.  Thomas, 
Mineola  Monitor;  E.  P.  Haney,  Wichita  Falls  Searchlight;  H.  F.  Mayes,  Brown- 
wood  Bulletin;  R.  E-  Yantis,  Athens  Review;  O.  P.  Gresham,  Pythian  Banner 
Knight;  A.  H.  Luker,  Grapeland  Messenger;  M.  P.  Daniel,  Teague  Herald;  A.  A. 
Wortham,  Corsicana  Sun;  W.  Straley,  Hico  News-Review;  O.  H.  Poole,  Cleburne 
Review;  E.  G.  Chiles,  Cleburne  Review;  G.  B.  Whitley,  Italy  News-Herald;  L.  E. 
Dicus,  Bonham  News;  R.  M.  Thompson,  Goldthwaite  Eagle;  S.  J.  Thomas,  Austin; 
W.  B.  Whitman,  Holland's  Magazine ;  J.  M.  Lewis,  Houston  Post ;  F.  B.  Baillio, 
Cleburne;  Ashley  Evans,  Bonham  News;  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Cleburne  Enterprise; 
Sam  P.  Harben,  Richardson  Echo;  Miss  M.  E.  Neal,  Carthage  Register;  Will  H. 
Mayes,  Brownwood  Bulletin ;  W.  A.  Bowen,  Arlington  Journal ;  E.  K.  Williams, 
Temple  Telegram ;  J.  W.  Northrup,  Giddings  News ;  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Hallettsville 
Herald ;  W.  C.  Edwards,  Denton  Record  and  Chronicle ;  L.  Seabrook,  Port  Lavaca 
Wave;  Miss  Maid  J.  Allen,  Commerce  Commercial;  F.  M.  Getzendaner,  Uvalde 
Leader-News;  Shaw  D.  Ray,  Winnsboro  Free  Press;  Harry  Galbraith,  Terrell 
Transcript;  Henry  Edwards,  Troup  Banner;  Harve  P.  Nelson,  Greenville  Banner; 
W.  S.  Spotts,  Bonham  Favo'rite ;  Joe  J.  Taylor,  Dallas  News;  J.  M.  Adams,  Plain- 
view  News ;  Lon  Davis,  Sealy  News ;  J.  L.  McCaleb,  Carrizo  Springs  Javelin ;  W. 
H.  Whitley,  McGregor  Mirror;  O.  C.  Harrison,  Seymour  Banner;  W.  A.  Johnson, 
Memphis  Herald;  Joe  Sappington,  Temple  Telegram;  Mrs.  E.  M.  Chrestman, 
Grand  Saline  Sun ;  T.  J.  Cunningham,  Comanche  Chief ;  J.  C.  Howerton,  Cuero 
Record;  Maurice  Bell,  May  Messenger;  Harry  Koch,  Quanah  Tribune-Chief;  F.  T. 
Roche,  Georgetown  Sun ;  Miss  Carrie  Childress,  Sipe  Springs  Record ;  D.  H.  Cun- 
ningham, Jr.,  Comanche  Pioneer-Exponent;  H.  E.  Faubion,  Marble  Falls  Mes- 
senger; Miss  Williemae  Warrock,  Rosebud  News;  W.  Z.  Spearman,  Whitewright 
Sun;  A.  B.  Haworth,  Comanche;  D.  R.  Harris,  Henderson  News;  J.  P.  Chambless, 
Cleburne  Chronicle ;  Levi  A.  Dunlap,  Meridian  Tribune ;  C.  E.  Gilmore,  Wills 
Point  Chronicle;  J.  C.  Florea,  Richmond  Coaster;  W.  M.  Cobb,  Smithville  Times; 
Fred  E.  Horton,  Greenville  Banner ;  Mrs.  Grace  Mitchell,  Robstown  Reporter ; 
H.  T.  Timmons,  Roby  Banner;  H.  B.  Savage,  Belton  News;  Henry  Reese,  Jr., 
Gonzales  Inquirer ;  A.  R.  McCollum,  Waco  Tribune ;  J.  A.  Proske,  Giddings 
Volksblatt;  J.  G.  Murphy,  San  Angelo  Standard;  R.  A.  Alford,  Leander  Record; 
F.  B.  Robinson,  Waco  Times-Herald;  O.  P.  Pyle,  Belton  Journal;  A.  C.  Baldwin, 
Austin  Tribune ;  H.  A.  McDougal,  Tyler  Courier-Times ;  W.  H.  Hawkins,  Stephen- 
ville  Empire ;  A.  W.  Sledge,  Ballinger  Banner-Leader ;  R.  O.  Gresham,  Temple  Mir- 
ror; S.  W.  Barnhill,  Fort  Worth  Railway  Journal;  Frank  Ezzell,  Ferris  Wheel; 
John  H.  Cullom,  Dallas;  W.  G.  Sterett,  Port  Lavaca;  W.  L.  Warrock,  Rosebud 

277 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

News;  A.  N.  Justiss,  Corsicana  Courier-  Light ;  T.  C.  Richardson,  Sutherland 
Springs  Health  Resort ;  J.  S.  Perry,  Temple  Telegram ;  J.  M.  Cunningham,  Ken- 
nedy Advance;  J.  O.  Smith,  Elgin  Courier;  W.  T.  Carter,  Killeen  Herald;  T.  W. 
Perkins,  McKinney  Courier-Gazette;  Robert  Phillips,  Iredell  Sentinel. 

Papers  were  read  as  follows : 

Henry  Edwards — "Outworn  Ideas,  Like  Outworn  Type, 
Should  Be  Thrown  Into  the  'Hell  Box'." 

J.  P.  Chambless — "Soliciting  Job  Work  for  a  Newspaper 
Office." 

Harry  Koch — "How  to  Secure  Advertising." 

Col.  A.  R.  McCollum— "Past  and  Present  of  the  Texas 
Press  Association." 

C.  E.  Gilmore — "The  Advantages  of  Membership  in  the 
Texas  Press  Association." 

J.  H.  Lowry — "Potpourie." 

Joe  J.  Taylor — "The  Ethics  of  Journalism." 

Levi  A.  Dunlap— "The  Art  of  Printing." 

T.  J.  Cunningham — "Securing  and  Holding  Subscriptions." 

Homer  D.  Wade — "The  Commercial  Interests  and  the 
Newspapers,  Co-Operating  in  Material  Development." 

E.  St.  Elmo  Lewis  of  Detroit,  Michigan,  read  a  paper  on 
"How  to  Secure  Advertising  and  How  to  Serve  the  Adver- 
tiser." He  had  the  distinction  of  being  about  the  highest 
authority  in  the  United  States  on  advertising,  and  to  the 
printers'  supply  men  of  Dallas  the  Association  was  indebted 
for  the  treat  of  so  splendid  a  paper  from  so  competent  a  source. 
Claud  Cross  of  Fort  Worth,  competent  authority  in  his 
line,  talked  about  a  "Cost  System"  and  illustrated  his  paper 
with  charts. 

Miss  Gladys  Mayo  of  Commerce  favored  the  convention 
with  a  violin  solo,  and  was  accompanied  on  the  piano  by  Miss 
La  Verne,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  R.  F.  Cates  of  Bartlett.  In 
response  to  a  recall,  Miss  Mayo  gave  a  piano  recital.  Mr. 
Stephenson  of  Cleburne  favored  the  convention  with  an  ode, 
being  accompanied  on  the  piano  by  Mrs.  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr., 
of  Cleburne.  Mrs.  F.  W.  Botts  of  New  Orleans  rendered  a 

278 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

beautiful  vocal  selection  which  so  pleased  her  audience  that 
she  was  called  to  render  another  selection. 

The  annual  oration,  "American  Ideals,"  was  by  F.  M. 
Getzendaner.  The  annual  poem,  "The  Plea  of  an  Editor's 
Wife,"  was  read  by  W.  S.  Spotts.  The  annual  essay  was  by 
Miss  Maid  J.  Allen  and  was  entitled,  "The  Record  We  Write." 

A  resolution  by  W.  D.  Cox,  complimentary  to  and  lauda- 
tory of  the  Temple  newspapers,  was  offered  and  adopted.  It 
recited  the  splendid  daily  reports  of  the  doings  of  the  Associa- 
tion by  the  Daily  Telegram,  its  cartoons  and  illustrations ;  the 
special  edition  of  The  Mirror,  prepared  especially  for  this 
convention;  and  the  special  illustrated  edition  of  the  Pythian 
Banner  Knight.  The  praise  bestowed  upon  the  newspapers  of 
Temple  was  fully  deserved. 

A  series  of  resolutions  by  W.  A.  Bowen  and  R.  E.  Yantis 
were  offered  and  adopted  requesting  the  members  of  the  As- 
sociation to  urge  through  their  papers  closer  co-operation  be- 
tween the  business  men  and  the  farmers,  and  indorsing  the 
plan  of  the  Farmers'  Union  of  holding  cotton,  marketing  same 
only  as  demanded ;  also  indorsing  the  idea  of  industrial  educa- 
tion in  the  rural  and  public  schools. 

The  office  of  historian  of  the  Association  was  created,  on 
the  motion  of  Will  H.  Mayes,  and  F.  B.  Baillio  was  elected  to 
that  position  for  life;  and  he  was  authorized  to  select  such 
assistants  as  he  might  desire.  Thereupon,  he  appointed  Col- 
onel A.  R.  McCollum  of  the  Waco  Tribune,  W.  A.  Bowen  of 
the  Arlington  Journal  and  C.  W.  Geers  of  Fort  Worth  and  late 
of  the  Denton  Monitor. 

Among  the  papers  read  was  that  by  C.  W.  Geers  on  "The 
Progressiveness  and  Unprogressiveness  of  the  Country 
Press;"  and  that  by  John  R.  Lunsford  on  "The  Editorial 
Page." 

Officers  were  elected  as  follows : 

President — W.    C.   Edwards,   Denton   Record   and   Chronicle; 
Vice    President — Joe   J.   Taylor,   Dallas    News; 

279. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Secretary — Sam    P.    Harben,    Richardson    Echo; 

Assistant    Secretary — R.    F.    Gates,    Bartlett    Tribune; 

Treasurer — C.    F.    Lehmann,    Hallettsville    Herald; 

Attorney — Clarence   E.   Gilmore,   Wills   Point   Chronicle; 

Flag    Custodian — J.    S.    Daley,    Dublin    Progress; 

Historian — F.   B.   Baillio,  Western  Newspaper  Union; 

Essayist — Mrs.    Grace    Mitchell,    Robstown    Reporter; 

Orator — Henry    Edwards,    Troup    Banner; 

Poet — Judd  Mortimer  Lewis,   Houston   Post. 

Executive  Committee — At  Large:  M.  E.  Foster,  Charles  S. 
Diehl,  W.  B.  Whitman,  George  McQuaid.  Congressional  districts, 
one  to  sixteen — Harvey  Miller,  C.  L.  Schless,  D.  R.  Harris,  W.  S 
.Spotts,  G.  W.  McKnight,  John  E.  Cooke,  A.  H.  Luker,  J.  C.  Florea, 
J.  C.  Howerton,  J.  O.  Smith,  W.  H.  Whitley,  O.  H.  Poole,  Harry 
Koch,  J.  R.  Lunsford,  F.  M.  Getzendaner,  G.  E.  Watford. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed: 
Printing — John  T.  Risien,  Sam  P.  Harben,  Levi  A.  Dun- 
lap,  Orion  Procter; 

Legislative — C.  E.  Gilmore,  E.  P.  Haney,  John  E.  Davis, 
J.  G.  Murphy,  S.  J.  Thomas,  E.  M.  Chrestman,  A.  N.  Justiss, 
R.  B.  Lockhart; 

Programme— F.  B.  Baillio,  Harry  Galbraith,  T.  H.  Bell, 
H.  A.  McDougle,  T.  J.  Cunningham,  G.  H.  Boynton,  Shaw  D. 
Ray; 

Delegates  National  Editorial  Association — Will  H.  Mayes, 
Miss  Maid  J.  Allen,  Mrs.  W.  B.  Whitman,  J.  A.  Thomas,  H.  E. 
Ellis,  A.  A.  Wortham,  Harve  P.  Nelson,  R.  O.  Gresham,  E.  K. 
Williams,  A.  C.  Baldwin,  L.  E.  Dicus,  H.  A.  Gibbs,  A.  L. 
Holland,  Frank  Ezzell,  G.  B.  Whitley,  L.  Seabrook,  W. 
Straley,  R.  G.  Hollingsworth,  M.  P.  Daniel,  J.  H.  Lowry,  J. 
R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  W.  A.  Bowen,  W-  Z.  Spearman,  J.  P.  Cham- 
bless  ; 

Executive  Committeeman  National  Editorial  Association 
— Lee  J.  Rountree. 

San  Antonio  was  selected  as  the  next  place  of  meeting, 
defeating  Austin,  Galveston  and  Wichita  Falls.  After  singing 

280 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"God  Be  With  You  Till  We  Meet  Again,"  the  Association  ad- 
journed. 

The   following  communication  was  read  and  ordered  of 
record : 
"To  the  Members  of  the  State  Press  Association  of  Texas,  in 

convention  assembled : 

"Dear  Sirs  :    With  knightly  courtesy  we  greet  you  ! 

"Recognizing  the  great  value  and  importance  of  your  dis- 
tinguished body,  we  feel  honored  in  having  you  designate 
Temple  as  your  meeting  place,  and  heartily  congratulate  our- 
selves in  having  the  opportunity  to  show  you  that  courtesy  so 
deserving  of  your  splendid  membership,  and  the  great  profes- 
sion to  which  you  belong. 

"In  our  opinion,  no  occupation  or  profession,  collectively, 
makes  as  many  sacrifices  for  the  good  of  humanity,  and  for 
the  upbuilding  and  prosperity  of  State  and  Nation,  as  the 
press.  Therefore,  you  should  ever  receive  our  cordial  com- 
mendation and  our  unstinted  co-operation. 

"As  the  oldest  bank  in  Temple ;  as  the  largest  bank  in  this 
section ;  as  the  largest  financial  institution  in  Central-West 
Texas;  we  beg  to  tender  you  the  kindly  offices  of  this  insti- 
tution during  your  sojourn  in  our  city.  We  would  be  glad  to 
have  you  make  free  use  of  our  banking  rooms,  our  office  equip- 
ment, our  office  force — our  stenographers  are  particularly 
always  at  your  command. 

"If  you  should  be  without  funds  (we  assume  of  course 
that  this  would  be  accidental,  because  a  newspaper  man  always 
has  money),  we  would  be  very  happy  to  cash,  without  ex- 
change, and  without  endorsement  other  than  your  badge  show- 
ing membership  in  your  Association,  such  checks  as  you  would 
like  to  draw  on  your  home  bank,  covering  your  incidental 
needs ;  or  extend  to  you  any  other  courtesies  or  accommoda- 
tions that  will  advance  your  pleasure,  increase  your  comfort, 
and  make  joyful  your  stay  in  Temple. 

281 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"With  cordial  good  wishes  for  your  happy  sojourn  in  Tern- 
pie  and  safe  return  to  your  homes, 

Very  truly  yours, 

P.  F.  Downs,  Cashier." 
P.   L.  Downs,  Cashier." 


282 


Thirty-fourth  Annual  Convention — 1913 


THE  thirty-fourth  annual  convention  of  the  Texas  Press 
Association  was  held  in  San  Antonio,  and  was  called  to 
order  by  President  W.  C.  Edwards  in  the  convention  hall 
of  the  Gunter  Hotel,  May  15,  1913.  Bishop  Mouzon  of 
the  M.  E.  Church,  South,  delivered  the  invocation.  Addresses 
of  welcome  were  made  by  Joseph  Emerson  Smith,  manag- 
ing editor  of  the  San  Antonio  Express,  and  L.  J.  Hart, 
manager  of  the  Gunter  Hotel.  The  response  to  the  addresses 
of  welcome  was  by  J.  H.  Lowry.  The  President's  annual 
address  was  referred  to  Lee  J.  Rountree,  O.  P.  Gresham  and 
E.  C.  Hunter,  as  a  committee. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed : 

Resolutions— J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  G.  H.  Boynton,  C.  W. 
Wilson,  A.  N.  Justiss,  L.  E.  Haskett  ; 

Finance — J.  J.  Taylor,  Henry  Edwards,  F.  B.  Baillio,  John 
E.  Cooke,  O.  P.  Gresham,  F.  M.  Getzendaner,  C.  F.  Lehmann, 
J.  H.  Lowry; 

Constitution  and  By-Laws — J.  A.  Thomas,  W.  A.  John- 
son, Tom  H.  Bell,  E.  P.  Haney,  E.  C.  Hunter; 

Memorial— W.  S.  Spotts,  Will  A.  Harris,  N.  P.  Houx, 
C.  W.  Geers,  W.  C.  Vogel ; 

Membership — H.  P.  Nelson,  Levi  A.  Dunlap,  Harry  Koch, 
R.  D.  Hudson,  J.  E.  H.  Railey ; 

Revision  of  Roll— O.  H.  Poole,  C.  W.  Taylor,  J.  M.  Cun- 
ningham, W.  H.  Whitley,  J.  C.  Thomas. 

The  following  was  read : 

"DeZavalla  Chapter,  descendants  of  the  patriots  and 
founders  of  Texas,  wishes  to  welcome  the  press  of  Texas  and 
their  families  and  friends  to  historic  San  Antonio.  Most  of  you 
are  friends,  and  we  thank  you  for  the  patriotic  work  you  have 

283 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

done  on  the  history  of  Texas.  You  have  taught  through  the 
columns  of  your  papers.  A  cordial  and  heartfelt  welcome.  We 
are  glad  you  are  here  and  want  you  to  stay  with  us  always." 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

C.  M.  Carpenter,  Buda  Star;  J.  L.  Spencer,  Mart  Herald;  Zenos  Deer,  Bishop 
News;  Homer  D.  Wade,  Stamford  News-Tribune;  R.  A.  Yantisi,  Athens  Review; 
Richard  E.  Zeiske,  Bellville  Times;  T.  G.  Locke,  Fowlerton  Reporter;  Ed  Howard, 
Wichita  Falls  Times ;  Lloyd  P.  Lockridge,  Austin  Statesman ;  R.  K.  Phillips, 
Weatherford  Democrat;  Edwin  J.  Keist,  Dallas  Times-Herald;  Henry  Mueller, 
Brenham  Volksblatt ;  Sam  C.  Holloway,  Deport  Times;  L.  H.  Bridges,  Luling 
Signal;  B.  F.  Harigel,  LaGrange  Journal;  J.  L.  Pope,  Amarillo  News;  George  B. 
Kirwan,  Riviera  Journal;  R.  J.  Edwards,  Denton  Record-Chronicle;  Charles 
Mrazek,  Garwood  Express;  E.  J.  McGuirk,  Calvert  Picayune;  D.  O.  Bell,  Co- 
lumbus Citizen ;  L.  P.  Henslee,  Cross  Plains  Review ;  W.  J.  Edgecombe,  San  An- 
tonio S.  W.  Independent ;  George  C.  Staples,  San  Marcos  Record ;  T.  W.  Lillie, 
Crystal  City  Chronicle;  Clifton  H.  Tupper,  San  Antonio  Traction  Magazine;  A.  B. 
O'Flaherty,  Corpus  Christi  Democrat;  George  W.  Baker,  Dallas  Auto  Journal;  AH 
B.  Schroeter,  Runge  News;  John  W.  Stayton,  Corpus  Christi  Caller;  M.  W.  Florer, 
Dallas  News ;  Richard  Hudson,  Farmersville  Times ;  Roy  Woodward,  Pearsall 
Leader;  Emmett  R.  Hambrick,  Dallas  Times-Herald;  Albert  Ernst,  Victoria 
Deutsche  Zeitung;  H.  F.  Schwenker,  Brady  Standard;  W.  M.  Stanberry,  Mid- 
lothian Argus ;  R.  M.  Curtis,  Jr.,  Falfurrias  Facts ;  Sam  Fore,  Jr.,  Floresville 
Chronicle;  S.  D.  Chestnut,  Kennedy  Advance;  Harry  M.  Johnson,  Houston  Post; 
W.  E.  Cage,  Pharr  Clarion;  J.  H.  Waggoner,  Whitewright  Sun;  W.  L.  Ballew, 
El  Campo  Citizen;  H.  N.  Fitzgerald,  Fort  Worth  Record;  M.  E.  Wallace,  Bryan 
Eagle;  G.  A.  McNaughton,  San  Marcos  Times-Leader;  R.  W.  Barry,  Beeville 
Bee;  E.  L.  Price,  Aransas  Pass  Progress;  W.  B.  Collins,  Llano  News;  Monroe 
Drew,  Kaufman  Herald ;  Joseph  E.  Smith,  San  Antonio  Express ;  B.  Q.  Evans, 
Dallas  Free  Lance ;  A.  W.  Davis,  Falfurrias  Facts ;  Max  Bendy,  Corpus  Christi 
Democrat ;  Cecil  Home,  Cleburne  Review ;  W.  L.  Turner,  Madisonville  Meteor ; 
Miss  Mattie  Middlefton,  Waxahachie ;  R.  C.  Mecklin,  Kingsville  Record;  Charles 
W.  Pyle,  Belton  Journal;  S.  H.  Walthall,  Orange  Leader. 

Miss  Helen  Brackenridge  addressed  the  convention  on  the 
subject  of  " Woman's  Rights." 

Following. the  talk  of  D.  C.  McCaleb,  publicity  agent  of 
the  railroads,  the  following  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
ascertain  at  what  price  per  inch  an  advertisement  could  be  in- 
serted in  every  weekly  paper  printed  by  members  of  the  Texas 
Press  Association :  Harry  Koch,  W.  A.  Bowen,  R.  O.  Gresham, 
H.  F.  Mayes  and  R.  M.  Hudson. 

Papers  were  read  as  follows : 

Will  H.  Whitley— "How  the  Publisher  Can  Best  Reach 
the  Foreign  Advertiser." 

284 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

N.  P.  Houx— "Pioneer  Days  in  the  Newspaper  Field  of 
Texas." 

Ernst  Goethe — "Why  Advertising  Rates  Should  Be  Ad- 
vanced." 

F.  C.  Thompson — "The  Best  Way  to  Build  Up  a  Country 
Circulation." 

M.  W.  Florer — "The  Postal  Laws  and  the  Newspapers." 

J.  O.  Smith — "How  I  Raised  My  Advertising  Rates  and 
What  It  Did  For  Me." 

John  E.  Cooke — "Job  Printing  From  the  Stock  Room  and 
Cases  to  the  Customer." 

C.  B.  Gillespie  and  C.  W.  Taylor— "Is  the  Freedom  of  the 
Press  Menaced  by  the  Powers  That  Be?" 

R.  E.  Yantis — "The  Newspaper  and  Its  Mission." 

J.  M.  Adams— "How  I  Estimate  Cost/' 

E,  R.  Hambrick  and  D.  Matt  Thrash— "The  Gathering  of 
Local  News." 

O.  C.  Harrison  and  Harve  P.  Nelson — "The  Newspaper 
and  Its  Mission." 

J.  S.  Daley— "How  the  Publisher  Can  Best  Reach  the 
Foreign  Advertiser." 

Addresses  were  made  by  Colonel  Henry  Exall,  president 
of  the  Texas  Industrial  Congress  on  "The  Texas  Industrial 
Congress  and  the  Press  ;"  by  R.  T.  Milner,  president  of  the 
A:  &  M.  College;  W.  B.  Bizzell  of  the  College  of  Industrial 
Arts  at  Denton  on  "The  Girls'  A.  &  M.  of  Texas;"  and  by 
Governor  O.  B.  Colquitt.  The  annual  oration,  "Opportunities 
for  Service,"  was  by  Henry  Edwards.  The  annual  essay,  "A 
Model  Newspaper,"  was  by  Mrs.  Grace  Mitchell. 

A  feature  of  the  convention  was  the  address  of  Governor 
Colquitt  over  the  long  distance  telephone  from  Austin  to  San 
Antonio,  through  the  courtesy  of  the  Southwestern  Tele- 
graph and  Telephone  Company.  The  arrangements  were  so 
perfect  that  every  word  of  the  Governor  was  heard  distinctly 
by  each  and  every  member  of  the  Association. 

285 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 
The  Legislative  committee  submitted  the  following  report: 

"The  recent  session  of  the  Legislature  enacted  no  laws  of  especial  significance 
to  the  newspaper  printing  business.  An  ineffectual  effort  was  made,  as  it  has 
been  at  almost  every  session  of  the  Legislature  for  several  years  to  amend  the  libel 
law  of  the  state  to  the  end  that  newspapers  might  have  reasonable  protection  in 
the  discharge  of  their  duty  to  the  public  in  both  the  capacity  of  news  gatherers  and 
in  the  discussion  of  public  matters  and  public  morals  wherein  it  happens  now  and 
then  to  become  necessary  to  discuss  and  criticise  persons,  particularly  public  offi- 
cers derelict  in  the  discharge  of  public  duty.  So  uncertain  is  the  present  law  until 
it  is  practically  impossible  to  lay  down  a  hard  and  fast  rule  and  say  'this  is  libel' 
and  'this  is  not.' 

"It  is  to  be  hoped  that  future  efforts  to  amend  this  law  will  yield  better  re- 
sults. Indeed,  we  cannot  refrain  from  suggesting  that  this  association  could  serve 
the  'public  and  serve  its  members  by  taking  some  steps  looking  to  the  drafting  and 
presentation  to  the  next  Legislature  for  consideration  of  a  just  and  reasonable  libel 
law  that  would  clearly  define  the  rights  of  publishers  and  afford  them  protection 
from  the  attacks  of  the  shyster,  the  demagogue  and  the  hypocrite,  and  at  the  same 
time  protect  the  public  from  dishonest  and  unscrupulous  newspaper  men  who  might 
seek  to  use  the  power  of  the  press  for  the  destruction  of  the  business  and  reputa- 
tion of  others.  A  dishonest  newspaper  man  is  no  better  than  any  other  dishonest 
person  and  the  publishers  owe  it  to  the  public  as  well  as  themselves  to  aid  in  prx> 
tecting  the  public  from  such. 

"The  question  often  occurs  in  a  newspaper  office  as  to  what  is  the  legal  rate 
for  advertising.  There  is  no  general  legal  rate  for  matter  published  in  newspapers 
in  Texas.  There  is  a  rate  fixed  by  law  for  such  matters  of  advertising  as  may  be 
used  by  the  state  or  any  of  its  schools  or  various  departments  of  government, 
such  as  the  publication  of  constitutional  amendments.  This  rate  is  $1  per  square 
of  100  words  for  the  first  insertion  and  50  cents  per  square  for  each  subsequent 
insertion  of  the  same  matter.  In  addition  to  this,  there  are  a  few  items  of  court 
and  ^county  affairs  that  require  publication,  which  will  be  referred  to  later. 

"There  is  no  more  reason  for  fixing  the  basis  and  price  at  which  newspapers 
shall  sell  their  space,  an  arbitrary  price,  without  consideration  for  circulation,  con- 
ditions, etc.,  to  the  state  or  any  of  its  various  branches  of  government  than  there 
is  reason  to  fix  the  price  of  flour  and  bacon  sold  to  the  state  institutions  without 
regard  for  their  market  value  or  cost  of  production.  It  might  be,  and  probably 
would  be  wise,  and  it  would  be  just  to  the  newspapers  at  the  same  time,  to  require 
that  no  publisher  could  charge  the  state,  or  for  any  legal  advertising  required  by 
law  a  greater  price  than  that  charged  for  commercial  advertising  of  the  same  class. 
We  are  oi  the  opinion  that  this  matter  need  only  to  be  properly  presented  to  the 
members  of  the  Legislature  to  be  fairly  adjusted. 

"Following  are  some  of  the  matters  required  by  law,  or  permitted  by  law,  to 
be  published  and  for  which  a  charge  may  be  made.  We  are  indicating  the  fact 
where  there  is  a  price  fixed  by  law : 

"Citations. — In  practically  all  civil  suits  the  law  permits  the  citing  of  defend- 
ants to  such  suit  by  publication  of  the  citation  in  some  newspaper  published  in  the 
county  of  the  suit  where  the  residence  of  the  defendant  is  unknown.  This  publi- 
cation has  to  be  made  for  four  successive  weeks  prior  to  return  day  (ten  days  be- 
fore the  first  day  of  the  court  at  which  the  case  is  to  be  called),  that  is,  the  last 
day  of  publication  must  be  ten  full  days  before  the  first  day  of  the  court.  Trie-re 
is  no  price  fixed  for  the  publication  of  citations.  The  usual  custom  is  to  make 
arrangements  with  the  plaintiff  in  the  suit  and  the  better  plan  is  also  to  look 
to  him  for  the  pay.  In  suits  against  unknown  heirs,  permitted  under  our  law,  the 
publication  must  be  made  for  eight  successive  weeks ;  also  the  publication  must  be 
made  for  eight  weeks  if  the  case  is  to  be  tried  at  the  first  term  of  court  after  the 
suit  is  filed.  Four  weeks'  publication  completes  the  service  but  the  case  must  go 
over  one  term.  The  eight  weeks'  publication  does  not  apply  to  divorce  suits. 

"Sale  of  Land  Under  Execution. — Notice  of  the  date  of  sale  of  land  to  be 
sold  under  execution  or  the  foreclosure  of  a  deed  of  trust,  must  be  published  three 
successive  weeks  in  some  newspaper  where  the  land  is  to  be  sold.  The  law  fixes 
a  price  for  this  service  at  fifty  cents  per  square  of  ten  lines  brevier  for  the  first 
insertion  and  thirty  cents  per  square  for  subsequent  insertions,  the  charge  in  no 
event,  regardless  of  the  length,  to  be  more  than  $5.00  for  all  three  insertions. 

"Delinquent  Tax  Lists. — The  law  reouires  the  delinquent  tax  list  of  each 
county  in  the  state  to  be  published  annually  for  three  successive  weeks  and  fixes 
the  price  at  a  maximum  of  25  cents  per  tract  of  land  so  advertised.  This  is  done 
by  contract  with  the  Commissioners'  Court  or  tax  collector.  (Article  7692,  Revised 
Statutes,  1911.) 

286 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"Treasurer's  Quarterly  Report. — The  County  Clerk  of  each  county  is  required 
to  have  published  the  quarterly  report  of  the  County  Treasurer  as  made  to  the 
Commissioners'  Court  and  verified  by  that  body.  No  price  for  this  is  fixed  by  law 
but  is  a  matter  of  contract  between  the  publisher  and  the  Commissioners'  Court 
or  the  County  Clerk.  (See  Article  1450,  Revised  Statutes  of  1911.) 

"Proposed  Amendments  to  the  Constitution. — Proposed  amendments  to  the  con- 
stitution of  the  State  must  be  published  for  four  weeks,  commencing  at  least  three 
months  before  the  election  at  which  they  are  to  be  voted  upon.  This  service  is 
paid  for  by  the  State  at  the  rate  provided  by  law  as  heretofore  mentioned. 

"These  references  here  include  the  principal  items,  at  least,  that  may  be  or  are 
required  to  be  published.  There  may  be  some  minor  ones  overlooked  in  the  haste 
in  preparing  this  report. 

"We  desire  to  direct  special  attention  to  the  requirements  as  to  the  publication 
of  delinquent  tax  lists  and  the  quarterly  reports  of  County  Treasurer.  These  two 
provisions  of  the  law  and  particularly  the  one  referring  to  delinquent  taxes,  are  of 
the  utmost  importance  to  the  public  and  it  is  our  observation  that  comparatively 
few  counties  in  the  State  have  lived  up  to  either  of  these  requirements  of  our 
law.  Entirely  aside  from  the  matter  of  printing  them,  we  are  of  the  opinion  that 
the  newspapers  of  the  state  will  do  a  patriotic  service  if  they  can  induce  those  in 
authority  to  observe  these  two  requirements.  In  some  counties  in  our  state  there 
are  thousands  of  dollars  of  delinquent  taxes  due  on  land  that  could  be,  and  should 
be,  collected  and  the  failure  to  collect  the  same  not  only  deprives  the  State  and 
County  of  that  just  portion  of  tax  money  but  sooner  or  later  involves  the  owners 
of  the  land  in  no  end  of  trouble  to  get  their  titles  cleared  of  the  clouds  cast  there 
by  virtue  of  delinquent  taxes,  perhaps  delinquent  from  some  remote  vendor  who  is 
either  dead  or  gone  beyond  the  reach  of  recovery  of  the  amount  of  the  taxes  from 
him.  The  failure  to  publish  the  delinquent  tax  list  each  year  and  make  every 
effort  to  collect  these  taxes  is  largely  responsible  for  this  condition. 

THE     LIBEL     LAW. 

"It  was  the  purpose  of  your  committee  to  arrange  as  comprehensive  a  brief  as 
possible  of  the  libel  law  of  our  State  but  to  do  so  would  require  more  space  than 
we  have  at  our  disposal.  We,  therefore,  are  forced  to  omit  the  subject  altogether 
or  confine  it  to  extracts  from  the  statutes  and  some  suggestions  that  might  pos- 
sibly aid  a  busy  editor  to  avoid  some  of  its  pitfalls  and  snares.  Hence  we  adopt 
the  latter  plan. 

"The  libel  law  of  Texas  is  composed  of  two  separate  and  distinct  branches  of 
the  law,  civil  and  criminal  libel.  The  one  is  the  most  resorted  to  by  those  who 
feel  themselves  injured  and  aggrieved  at  the  publishers  of  newspapers,  the  other 
is  most  usually  resorted  to  to  punish  some  malicious  person  for  some  writing  or 
printing,  outside  of  a  newspaper,  to  defame  character." 

CIVIL    LIBEL. 

Article  5595.  Definition. — "A  libel  is  a  defamation  expressed  in  printing  or 
writing  or  by  sign  and  pictures,  or  drawings,  tending  to  blacken  the  memory  of 
the  dead,  or  tending  to  injure  the  reputation  of  one  who  is  alive  and  thereby  ex- 
pose him  to  public  hatred,  contempt  or  ridicule,  or  financial  injury,  or  to  impeach 
the  honesty,  integrity  or  virtue,  or  reputation  of  any  one,  or  to  publish  the  natural 
defects  of  any  one  and  thereby  expose  such  person  to  public  hatred,  ridicule  or 
financial  injury. 

Art.  5596.  Mitigation  of  Damages  and  Defense. — "In  any  action  for  libel  the 
defendant  may  give  in  evidence,  if  specially  pleaded,  in  mitigation  of  exemplary  or 
punitive  damages,  the  circumstances  and  intentions  under  which  the  libelous  pub- 
lication was  made,  and  any  public  apology,  correction  or  retraction  made  and  pub- 
lished by  him  of  the  libel  complained  of.  The '  truth  of  the  statement  or  state- 
ments in  such  publication  (complained  of  as  libelous)  shall  be  a  defense  to  such 
action. 

Art.  5597.  Privileged  Matter. — "The  publication  of  the  following  matters  by 
any  newspaper  or  periodical,  as  defined  in  Article  5595,  shall  be  deemed  privileged, 
and  shall  not  be  made  the  basis  of  any  action  for  libel  without  proof  of  actual 
malice : 

1.  A  fair,   true  and   impartial   account   of  the   proceedings  in   a  court  of  justice 
unless  the  court  prohibits  the  publication  of  the  same,  when  in  the  judgment  of  the 
court  the    ends    of  justice   demand    that   the   same   should   not   be   published,   and   the 
court  so   orders;   or  any   other  official   proceedings   authorized   by  law   in   the   admin- 
istration  of  the   law. 

2.  A  fair,  true  and  impartial   account  of  all   executive   and   legislative   proceed- 
ings  that  are  made  a   matter   of   record,    including   reports    of  legislative    committees, 
and   of  any  debate   in   the   Legislature,   or   its   committees. 

287 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

3.  A   fair,    true    and    impartial    account   of    public   meetings,    organized   and    con- 
ducted  few   public   purposes   only. 

4.  A    reasonable    and    fair    comment    or   criticism    of    the    official    acts    of    public 
officials    and   of   other   matters   of   public    concern    published   for    general    information. 

Aft.  5598.  "Nothing  in  this  chapter  shall  be  construed  to  amend  or  repeal  any 
penal  law  on  the  subject  of  libel." 

This  is  all  of  the  statute  of  this  State  on  civil  libel  but  in  construing  its  va- 
rious provisions  the  courts  have  made  a  good  deal  more  law  out  of  it. 

CRIMINAL     LIBEL. 

The  criminal  libel  law  is  neither  so  simple  nor  so  brief  nor  does  it  apply  so 
exclusively  to  newspapers.  Article  1151  of  the  Penal  Code  of  the  State  defines 
libel  as  follows : 

"He   is   guilty    of   libel    who,    with    intent    to   injure   makes,    writes,    prints, 

publishes,     sells     or     circulates    any    malicious     statement    affecting     the     reputa- 
tion   of    another    with    respect    to    any    matter    or   thing    pointed    out    in    this 

chapter." 

The  punishment  for  one  found  guilty  of  libel  is  a  fine  of  not  less  than  one 
hundred  nor  more  than  two  thousand  dollars,  or  by  imprisonment  in  the  county 
jail  for  not  more  than  two  years. 

Without  attempting  to  quote  from  the  statute  "haec  verba"  further  we  offer 
some  brief  suggestions  as  to  the  law  as  shown  by  the  Penal  Code : 

The  "intent  to  injure,"  made  a  part  of  the  definition  of  libel,  is  presumed 
without  further  proof  of  intent  if  such  would  be  the  natural  consequence  of  the 
libel. 

To  come  within  the  definition  of  libel  the  publication  must  convey  the  idea : 
(a)  That  the  person  to  whom  it  refers  has  been  guilty  of  a  penal  offense;  (b)  or 
that  he  has  been  guilty  of  some  act  or  omission  though  not  a  penal  offense,  which 
is  disgraceful  to  him  as  a  member  of  society  and  the  natural  consequence  of  which 
is  to  bring  him  into  contempt  among  honorable  persons ;  or  (c)  that  he  has  some 
moral  vice  or  physical  or  mental  defect  or  disease  which  renders  him  unfit  for  inter- 
course with  respectable  society  and  such  as  should  cause  him  to  be  generally 
avoided;  or  (d)  that  he  is  of  notoriously  bad  or  infamous  character;  or  (e)  that 
any  person  in  office  or  a  candidate  therefor,  is  dishonest  and  therefore  unworthy  of 
such  office,  or  that  .while  in  office  he  has  been  guilty  of  some  malfeasance  rendering 
him  unworthy  of  the  place. 

But  it  is  no  offense  to  make  true  statements  of  fact  or  express  opinions  as  to 
the  integrity  or  other  qualifications  of  a  candidate  for  any  office  or  public  place 
or  appointment.  Nor  is  it  any  offense  to  publish  true  statements  of  fact  as  to  the 
qualification  of  any  person  for  any  occupation,  profession  or  trade. 

No  statement  made  in  the  course  of  legislative  or  judicial  proceedings,  whethef 
true  or  false  although  made  with  intent  to  injure  and  from  malicious  purposes, 
comes  within  the  definition  of  libel. 

In  the  following  cases  the  truth  of  any  statement  charged  as  libel  may  be 
shown  in  justification  of  the  defendant. 

Where  the  publication  purports  to  be  an  investigation  of  the  official  conduct 
of  officers  or  men  in  a  public  capacity.  Where  it  is  stated  that  a  person  has  been 

fuilty  of  some  penal  offense  and  the  time,  place  and  nature  of  the  offense  is  speci- 
ed  in  the  publication.  Where  a  person  is  charged  with  being  of  notoriously  bad 
or  infamous  character.  Where  the  publication  charges  any  person  in  office,  or  a 
candidate  therefor  with  want  of  honesty,  or  having  been  guilty  of  malfeasance  in 
office,  rendering  him  unworthy  of  the  place. 

In  other  cases  than  those  mentioned  above  the  truth  of  the  facts  stated  in  the 
libel  cannot  be  inquired  into. 

Art.  1161.  Avoiding  of  Responsibility,  How? — "The  editor,  publisher  or  pro- 
prietor of  a  public  newspaper  may  avoid  the  responsibility  of  making  or  publish- 
ing a  libel  by  giving  the  true  author  of  the  same,  provided  such  author  be  a  resi- 
dent of  this  State  and  a  person  of  good  character,  except  in  cases  where  it  is 
shown  that  such  editor,  publisher  or  proprietor  caused  trie  libel  to  be  published 
with  malicious  design." 

This   article   refers   only    to   criminal   libel. 

All  the  Statute  on  criminal  libel  refers  only  to  that  branch  of  it  and  has  no 
bearing  or  effect  on  actions  for  civil  libel. 

As  stated  at  the  beginning  of  that  portion  of  this  report  with  reference  to 
libel,  it  is  impossible  to  even  briefly  refer  to  the  holdings  of  the  courts  on  some 
of  the  questions  presented  by  both  "the  criminal  and  civil  Statutes,  but  this  much 
is  submitted  in  the  hope  that  it  may  be  of  service  to  some  one. 

Will  H.  Whitley,  R.  M.  Hudson,  O.  C.  Harrison,  F.  C. 

288 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Thompson  and  Levi  A.  Dunlap  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
suggest  a  rate  to  be  charged  for  foreign  advertising  and  report 
at  the  next  annual  convention. 

Mrs.  J.  O.  Smith  of  Elgin  entertained  the  Association 
with  a  select  reading  which  was  well  rendered  and  generously 
applauded.  Mrs.  H.  A.  Gibbs  of  Harlingen  favored  the  con- 
vention with  a  song  which  was  heartily  encored.  She  was 
accompanied  on  the  piano  by  Mrs.  C.  F.  Lehmann. 

The  annual  dues  were  fixed  at  one  dollar  and  fifty  cents. 

Clarence  E.  Gilmore,  general  attorney  of  the  Association, 
submitted  the  following  report : 

"Acting  as  general  attorney  for  the  Press  Association,  I 
took  up  last  year  with  the  State  Insurance  Board  the  matter 
of  insurance  rates  on  gasoline  engines,  believing  the  rate  as 
promulgated  by  the  board  to  be  entirely  too  high  for  the 
hazard.  After  going  into  the  matter  in  person  with  the  board, 
I  was  able  to  secure  a  substantial  reduction  in  the  rates,  the 
amended  rates  taking  effect  September  20,  1912.  The  new 
rate  reduces  the  rate  under  division  (a)  of  the  Gasoline  Power 
Schedule,  as  shown  on  page  38  of  the  General  Basis  Schedules, 
from  twenty-five  to  ten  cents ;  and  the  rate  under  division  (b) 
from  fifty  cents  to  twenty-five  cents.  That  means  that  on  an 
unapproved  gasoline  engine  where  sixty-five  cents  additional 
charge  has  been  made  the  rate-  should  now  figure  thirty-five 
cents.  As  most  of  the  newspaper  offices  of  the  State  use 
gasoline  power  this  should  be  a  considerable  saving  to  the 
large  shops  and  in  the  aggregate  save  the  publishers  of  the 
State  a  good  deal  of  money." 

The  following,  which  had  been  referred  to  the  committee 
on  resolutions,  was,  on  recommendation  of  that  committee, 
adopted : 

"We  learn  with  pleasure  of  the  determination  of  President 
Wilson  to  appoint  George  D.  Armistead  postmaster  at  San 
Anionio  and  wish  to  congratulate  our  honored  President  on 
the  wisdom  of  his  selection." 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  following  report  of  the  committee  on  resolutions  was 
adopted : 

"Whereas,  The  custom  in  vogue  in  Texas  of  posting  all 
notices  of  bond,  school,  and  other  elections,  as  well  as  other 
matters  that  are  of  general  and  special  interest,  on  bulletin 
boards,  live-oak  trees,  and  plank  fences,  is  a  relic  of  the  dark 
ages  and  a  reflection  on  the  intelligence  of  the  people  of  today 
who  take  and  read  the  newspapers  to  keep  themselves  inform- 
ed; and 

"Whereas,  It  is  time  this  custom  was  abolished  in  the 
interest  of  the  reading  and  thinking  public ;  therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  the  Texas  Press  Association,  individually 
and  collectively,  demand  of  the  law-making  bodies  of  Texas 
that  it  change  the  law  so  that  all  notices  now  required  to  be 
posted  shall  be  published  in  each  and  every  paper  in  the  city, 
county  or  district  affected ;  provided,  that  the  paper  in  which 
such  notices  are  printed  shall  be  paid  for  same  at  not  less  than 
regular  state  rates ;  and  be  it  further 

"Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this  Association  urge 
upon  their  respective  representatives  in  the  Legislature  the 
justness  of  our  position  and  secure  their  support  of  the  propo- 
sition in  the  interest  of  the  people ;  and  that  our  legislative 
committee  draft  a  bill  in  accordance  with  this  resolution  and 
look  after  it  at  the  next  regular  session  of  the  Legislature." 

The  following  officers  were  elected : 

President — Joe  J.  Taylor,   Dallas   News; 

Vice  President — D.  R.  Harris,  Rusk  County  News; 

Secretary — Sam    P.    Harben,    Richardson    Echo; 

Assistant    Secretary — R.    F.    Gates,    Bartlett   Tribune; 

Treasurer — C.   F.   Lehmann,   Hallettsville   Herald; 

Attorney — C.  E.  Gilmore,  Wills  Point; 

Flag    Custodian — J.    S.    Daley,    Dublin    Progress    (Life); 

Historian — F.    B.    Baillio,   Western    Newspaper   Union    (Life); 

Essayist — Richard   Hudson,   Farmersville   Times; 

Orator — C.    B.    Gillespie,    Houston    Chronicle; 

Poet — Clarence    Ousley,    Fort    Worth    Record. 

Executive  Committee:     At  Large — E.  M.  Chrestman,  E.  C.  Hun- 

290 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

ter,  John  F.  Luibben,  J.  C.  Thomas;  Districts,  one  to  sixteen — H.  A. 
Gibbs,  R.  O.  Gresham,  H.  V.  Hamilton,  Will  A.  Holford,  A.  N. 
Justiss,  Bruce  W.  McCarty,  Harvey  Miller,  H.  P.  Nelson,  J.  E.  H. 
Railey,  Shaw  D.  Ray,  Lee  J.  Rotmtree,  W.  A.  Smith,  Ben  F.  Smith, 
W.  L.  Turner,  G.  E.  Watford,  Homer  D.  Wade. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed : 

Printing — John  E.  Cooke,  R.  J.  Edwards,  O.  P.  Gresham, 
Sam  P.  Harben ; 

Legislative — Jos.  O.  Boehmer,  A.  S.  Crisp,  C.  E.  Gilmore, 
J.  M.  Kennedy,  Lloyd  P.  Lockridge,  Will  H.  Mayes,  O.  H. 
Poole,  C.  W.  Taylor; 

Programme — F.  B.  Baillio,  W.  A.  Bowen,  E.  P.  Haney, 
W.  S.  Spotts,  G.  B.  Whitley,  Walter  B.  Whitman,  C.  W. 
Wilson  ; 

Delegates  to  the  National  Editorial  Association — G.  H. 
Boynton,  R.  F.  Gates,  J.  H.  Cullom,  J.  S.  Daley,  Monroe  Drew, 
Levi  A.  Dunlap,  Henry  Edwards,  Frank  Ezzell,  Harry  Gal- 
braith,  F.  M.  Getzendaner,  Ernst  Goeth,  O.  C.  Harrison,  D.  R. 
Harris,  L.  E.  Haskett,  Harry  Koch,  J.  L.  McCaleb,  G.  W. 
McKnight,  Mrs.  Grace  Mitchell,  Miss  M.  E.  Neal,  T.  W. 
Perkins,  R.  R.  Phillips,  J.  L.  Pope,  E.  L.  Ramsey,  H.  F. 
Schwenker,  Wilford  B.  Smith,  H.  B.  Terrell,  R.  M.  Thompson, 
W.  H.  Whitley,  A.  A.  Wortham ; 

Committeeman  National  Editorial  Association  —  Lee  J. 
Rountree. 

The  following  committee  was  appointed  to  investigate  the 
feasibility  of  establishing  a  home  for  superannuated  members: 
Charles  M.  Barnes,  Frank  P.  Holland,  F.  T.  Roche. 

Wichita  Falls  was  elected  over  Corpus  Christi  as  the  next 
place  of  meeting. 

The  secretary  submitted  the  following  report: 

TO   THE   MEMBERS   OF   THE   TEXAS    PRESS   ASSOCIATION: 

I  beg  to  submit  to  you  the  following  report  of  expenses  which  have  been  in- 
curred in  handling  the  affairs  of  the  association  during  the  five  years  which  I  have 
been  secretary— 1909,  1910,  1911,  1912  and  an  estimate  of  the  expense  for  1913, 
which  will  include  all  items  as  paid  for  in  the  last  four  years : 

Total    expense    for    1909 $323.30 

Total    expense    for    1910 367.27 

Total    expense    for    1911 451.35 

Total    expense    for    1912 421.90 

291 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

ESTIMATE— Expense     for     1913 - 415..00 

Average  expense  of  the  association  per  year,  5  years 39J.OO 

Receipts. 

Receipts   from    all   sources    1909 $319.60 

Receipts    from    all    sources    191U 386.00 

Receipts    from    all   sources    1911 368.90 

Receipts   from    aJl    sources    1912 358.00 

Average   income   from   all   sources   per  year,   for   four    years 358.00 

Or  $33.00  per  year  less  than  the  expense  of  the  association.  The  greater  portion 
of  this  deficit  has  been  for  the  last  two  years  when  the  new  members  have  been 
failing  to  pay  their  annual  dues.  To  show  you  how  the  members  respect  their 
dues,  I  read  you  the  result  of  last  year's  drafts : 

"Made  draft  on  161  members,  following  the  Temple  meeting,  for  a  total  of 
$251  due  by  them,  I  received  payments  to  the  amount  of  $88.00  from  84  members, 
showing  that  77  refused  to  pay  their  dues  or  honor  draft  of  this  association.  The 
collection  of  this  $88  cost  the  association  $10.50  or  12%  for  collecting." 

I  estimate  that  this  year's  receipts  will  amount  to  $460  which  would  give  us 
a  balance  over  expense  for  this  year  (also  estimated)  of  $45.00.  This  is  caused 
from  the  fact  that  we  are  adding  more  than  an  average  number  of  new  members, 
almost,  if  not  doubling,  either  of  the  past  two  years. 

Take  the  association  on  a  basis  of  300  members,  all  paying  their  dues  regu- 
larly?  with  an  average  expense  of  $391  we  would  have  a  deficit  of  $91  each  year, 
provided  we  received  no  new  members.  Take  the  same  expense,  same  number 
of  paying  members  at  $1.50  per  year  would  bring  in  $450  against  an  expense  of 
$391  or  $59  for  an  emergency  each  year. 

I  have  written  to  twenty-five  state  association  secretaries,  received  information 
from  nineteen.  These  nineteen  give  me  the  amount  of  their  dues ;  we  find  out  of 
this  number  seventeen  state  associations  are  charging  $1.50  and  $2  per  year  dues, 
two  are  charging  $1,  which  are  Arkansas  and  Florida,  neither  of  which  issues  com- 
plete minutes,  nor  prints  the  papers  which  are  read  before  the  association. 

The  secretary  has  worked  with  the  members,  tried  by  personal  letters  in  more 
than  fifty  instances,  to  get  those  who  are  far  in  arrears  to  pay  up,  sent  out 
drafts,  written  more  than  400  letters  this  year;  this,  besides  the  850  sent  out  to  the 
press  in  general,  and  in  every  other  manner  endeavored  to  keep  the  finances  in  the 
clear.  As  long  as  the  new  members  keep  to  an  average  of  30  each  session,  and 
the  older  ones  pay  up  with  any  regularity,  we  can  run  on  $1  per  member,  other- 
wise, either  raise  the  dues  or  cut  the  papers  out  of  the  mirrutes,  is  the  only  sug- 
gestion your  secretary  can  make. 

Respectfully    submitted    to    San    Antonio    meeting,    May    15-17,    1913. 

SAM   P.   HARBEN,   Secretary. 

The  following  members  responded  to  roll  call: 

J.    R.     Ransone,    Jr.,    Cleburne    Enterprise;    Sam    C.    Holloway,    Deport    Times; 

A.  H.    Luker,    Grapeland   Messenger ;    R.    W.    Barry,    Beeville    Bee ;    S.    D.    Chestnutt, 
Kenedy  Advance ;   S.    M.    Fore,  Jr.,   Floresville   Chronicle- Journal ;    R.    M.    Curtis,   Jr., 
Falfurrias  Facts;   R.   M.  Hudson,   Irving  Index;   Richard   E.   Zeiske,   Bellville  Times; 
H.    F.    Schwenker,    Brady   Standard;    Zenos    Deer,    Bishop   News;    Ed   Howard,    Wich- 
ita Falls  Times;   Paul   Baker,  Albany  News;   R.   H.   Roberts,  Jr.,   Rosenberg  Herald; 
Albert    Ernst,    Victoria    Deutsche-Zeitung;    Henry    Miller,    Brenham    Volksblatt;     O. 
C.     Harrison,    Seymour    Banner;     D.     O.     Bell,    Columbus    Colorado    Citizen;     R.    A. 
Yantis,  Athens  Review;   T.   G.   Locke,   Fowlerton  Reporter;   R.   K.   Phillips,  Weather- 
ford    Democrat;    W.    C.    Easterling,    Alpine    Guide;    W.    Straley,    Hico    News- Review; 
R.    L.     Fox,    Moody    Courier;    John    W.    Stayton,    Corpus    Christi    Caller;    Richard 
Hudson,    Farmersville    Times ;    J.    L.    Spencer,    Mart    Herald ;    Charles    Mrazek,    Gar- 
wood    Express ;    F.    C.    Thompson,    McKinriey    Examiner ;    G.    A.    NcNaughton,    San 
Marcos,    Times-Leader ;  S.  H.  Walthall,  Orange    Leader;  Chas.    W.    Pyle,    Belton   Jour- 
nal-Reporter, Roy  Woodward,  Pearsall  Reporter ;   O.    H.    Roberts,    Aransas    Pass    Prog- 
ress ;    S.    H.    Bridges,    Luling    Signal ;    W.    E.    Cage,    Pharr    Clarion ;    R.    C.    Mecklin, 
Kingsville    Record;    W.     C.    Vogel,    Feld    &    Flur ;    M.     E.    Wallace,    Bryan    Eagle; 
Homer  D.    Wade,   Stamford   News-Tribune ;    W.    C.    Edwards,   Denton   Record-Chroni- 
cle ;   H.   N.   Fitzgerald,   Fort  Worth  Record ;    B.   F.   Harigel,   LaGrange  Journal ;    Geo. 

B.  Kirwan,  Riviera  Journal ;  J.   E.   H.   Railey,  Weatherford  Herald ;   Levi  A.   Dunlap, 

292 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Meridian  Tribune;  Tom  W.  Perkins,  McKinney  Courier-Gazette;  A.  B.  O'Flaherty, 
Corpus  Christi  Democrat ;  M.  G.  Thomas,  Anson  Enterprise ;  J.  A.  Proske,  Gid- 
dings  Volksblatt ;  H.  B.  Terrell,  West  News ;  A.  W.  Davis,  Freeport  Facts ;  J.  S. 
Daly,  Dublin  Progress;  Mrs.  Grace  I.  Mitchell,  Robstown  Reporter;  A.  C.  Bald- 
win, Austin  Tribune;  Monroe  Drew,  Kaufman  Herald;  Geo.  C.  Staples,  San  Mar- 
cos Record ;  F.  M.  Getzendaner,  Uvalde  Leader-News ;  Joseph  Emerson  Smith, 
San  Antonio  Express;  T.  W.  LilHe,  Crystal  City  Chronicle;  H.  E.  Faubion,  Marble 
Falls  Messenger;  Mrs.  C.  M.  Hughes,  Wharton  Spectator;  L.  Seabrook,  Port 
Lavaca  Wave;  Henry  Reese,  Gonzales  Inquirer;  A.  N.  Justiss,  Corsicana  Courier- 
Light  ;  R.  G.  Hollingsworth,  Coleman  Voice ;  Sam  P.  Harben,  Richardson  Echo ; 
H.  T.  Timmons,  De  Leon  Free  Press ;  L.  E.  Haskett,  Childress  Index ;  C.  W. 
Wilson,  Mineral  Wells  Index;  R.  M.  Thompson,  Goldthwaite  Eagle;  W.  S.  Spotts, 
Bonham  Favorite;  W.  S.  Smith,  San  Saba  News;  F.  B.  Baillio,  Cleburne;  John  E. 
Cooke,  Rockdale  Reporter ;  W.  T.  Eichholz,  Cuero  Rundschau ;  C.  B.  Gillespie, 
Houston  Chronicle;  C.  W.  Geers,  Fort  Worth  S.  W.  Magazine;  G.  B.  Whitley, 
Italy  News-Herald ;  C.  W.  Gordon,  San  Antonio ;  Miss  Margie  E.  Neal,  Carthage ; 
W.  A.  Johnson,  Memphis  Hall  County  Herald;  C.  W.  Taylor,  Rogers  News; 
J  C.  Thomas,  Childress  Post;  Edgar  P.  Haney,  Wichita  Falls  Searchlight;  E.  S. 
Ramsey,  Thorndale  Thorn;  J.  O.  Smith,  Elgin  Courier;  R.  O.  Gresham,  Temple 
Mirror;  Walter  B.  Whitman,  Holland's,  Dallas;  Mrs.  Walter  B.  Whitman,  Hol- 
land's, Dallas ;  Harold  Baldwin,  Sabinal  Sentinel ;  W.  J.  Edgecombe,  San  Antonio 
S.  W.  Independent;  W.  L.  Dubose,  Devine  News;  Harry  Koch,  Quanah  Tribune- 
Chief;  A.  D.  Jackson,  Crystal  City;  N.  P.  Houx,  Mexia  Herald;  E.  Goethe, 
Weimar  Mercury ;  Hervey  F.  Mayes,  Brownwood  Bulletin ;  Will  H.  M&yes,  Brown- 
wood  Bulletin ;  John  R.  Lunsfordi,  San  Antonio  Express ;  A.  M.  Kennedy,  Marlin 
Democrat ;  O.  P.  Gresham,  Temple  Pythian  Banner-Knight ;  Henry  Edwards,  Troup 
Banner ;  W.  H.  W/hitley,  McGregor  Mirror ;  Harry  Johnston,  Houston  Post ;  A. 
W.  Sledge,  Ballinger  Banner;  G.  H.  Boynton,  Hamilton  Herald;  G.  W.  Faulkner, 
Santa  Anna  News;  J.  A.  Thomas,  Mineola  Monitor;  J.  H.  Wurtz,  San  Antonio 
Light;  W.  A.  Harris,  Woodman  Journal,  Dallas;  H.  P.  Nelson,  Greenville  Ban- 
ner; A.  S.  Crisp,  Cuero  Star;  Frank  P.  Holland,  Dallas  Farm  &  Ranch;  W.  A. 
Bowen,  Arlington  Journal ;  H.  E.  Ellis,  Houston  Post ;  J.  M.  Cunningham,  Kenedy 
Advance;  B.  F.  Smith,  Lockney  Beacon;  Joe  J.  Taylor,  Dallas  News;  C.  F.  Leh- 
mann,  (Treasurer),  San  Antonio;  R.  F.  Cates,  Bartlett  Tribune;  J.  S.  McCaleb, 
Carrizo  Springs  Javelin;  S.  C.  Findley,  Comanche  Chief- Exponent ;  M.  W.  Florer, 
Jr.,  Dallas  News;  Ross  Simpson,  Grand  Prairie  Texan;  P.  O.  Willson,  Taylor 
Texan;  Frank  M.  White,  Waco;  J.  H.  Lowry,  Honey  Grove  Signal;  James 
Howerton,  Hallettsville  Herald;  H.  A.  Gibbs,  Harlingen  Star;  J.  S.  Perry,  Temple 
Telegram ;  R.  A.  Gates,  Centerville  Record ;  J.  E.  Vernon,  Lampasas  Leader ;  F.  T. 
Roche,  Georgetown  Sun ;  O.  H  Poole,  Cleburne  Review ;  G.  W.  Baker,  Dallas 
Auto  Journal ;  Lee  J.  Rountree,  Georgetown  Commercial ;  Robert  E.  Conner,  Lex- 
ington Enterprise;  W.  L.  Turner,  Madisonville  Meteor;  C.  M.  Barnes,  San  An- 
tonio Express ;  E.  C.  Hunter,  Sherman  Democrat. 


Thirty-fifth  Annual  Convention — 1914 


'""T'HE  thirty-fifth  annual  meeting  of  the  Association  convened 
1  in  Wichita  Falls,  Thursday,  June  18,  holding  its  sessions 
in  the  Wichita  Opera  House  and  being  called  to  order  by  Pres- 
ident J.  J.  Taylor.  Rev.  McKee  of  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  offered  prayer.  Mayor  A.  H.  Britain  in  extending  the 
city's  welcome  to  the  Association  spoke  feelingly  of  his  duties 
as  host  to  the  body.  On  behalf  of  the  local  press,  Edgar  P. 
Haney  reaffirmed  the  welcome  extended  by  the  Mayor.  Editor 
J.  H.  Lowry  of  The  Honey  Grove  Signal  responded  to  these 
addresses. 

The  following  committees  were  named : 

Committee  on  Finance — G.  B.  Whitley,  Progress,  Jack- 
sonville, chairman ;  O.  P.  Gresham,  Pythian  Banner-Knight, 
Temple;  N.  P.  Houx,  Evening  Herald,  Mexia;  Sam  Braswell, 
Express,  Venus ;  H.  A.  Gibbs,  Star,  Harlingen. 

Committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws — W.  A.  John- 
son, Hall  County  Herald,  Memphis,  chairman ;  R.  V.  Reavis, 
Register,  Malone;  Henry  Edwards,  Banner,  Troup ;  H.  B. 
Terrell,  News,  West ;  Will  A.  Harris,  Woodman  Journal, 
Dallas. 

Committee  on  Memorial — R.  E.  Yantis,  Review,  Athens, 
chairman ;  Orion  Proctor,  Bridgeport ;  A.  H.  Luker,  Messen- 
ger, Grapeland ;  F.  C.  Thompson,  Examiner,  McKinney ;  W. 
S.  Spotts,  Favorite,  Bonham. 

Committee  on  Resolutions — Will  H.  Mayes,  Brownwood 
Bulletin,  chairman  ;  Wm.  A.  Bowen,  Journal,  Arlington  ;  Harve 
P.  Nelson,  Banner,  Greenville;  J.  A.  Thomas,  Monitor,  Min- 
eola;  M.  E.  Wallace,  Eagle,  Bryan. 

Committee  on  Membership  —  F.  B.  Baillio,  Cleburne, 
chairman ;  J.  H.  Lowry,  Signal,  Honey  Grove ;  C.  W.  Wilson, 
Index,  Mineral  Wells ;  J.  E.  H.  Railey,  Herald,  Weatherford. 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Committee  on  Revision  of  the  Roll — Lee  J.  Rountree, 
Commercial,  Georgetown,  chairman ;  W.  C.  Edwards,  Record 
and  Chronicle,  Denton ;  J.  M.  Adams,  News,  Plainview ;  John 
E.  Cooke,  Reporter,  Rockdale ;  H.  F.  Schwenker,  Standard, 
Brady. 

President  Taylor's  address  to  the  Association  was  given, 
in  keeping  with  the  usual  custom,  into  the  hands  of  a  commit- 
tee for  recommendations.  This  committee  consisted  of  J.  H. 
Lowry,  F.  B.  Baillio  and  W.  H.  Whitley  who  reported  full  ap- 
proval of  the  President's  address. 

The  Genesis  of  This  Volume. 

(As  shown  on  page  19  of  the  Minutes  of  the  33rd  annual 
session  of  the  Association  held  at  Temple  in  1912,  Lieutenant- 
Governor  Will  H.  Mayes  made  a  motion  which  carried  unani- 
mously providing  that  the  office  of  "Texas  Press  Historian" 
be  created  and  that  Col.  F.  B.  Baillio  of  Cleburne  be  made 
permanent  chairman  of  this  office  with  power  delegated  to 
select  three  assistants.  Page  21  of  that  year's  Minutes  shows 
that  Col.  Baillio  accepted  the  office  and  publicly  called  upon 
the  members  present  to  send  him  any  and  all  data  that  they 
might  have  or  would  be  able  to  secure  bearing  on  the  history 
and  early  organization  of  the  Texas  Press  Association.  He 
requested  specially  that  the  members  send  him  any  parts  of 
biographies  of  the  "Old  Guard"  who  first  blazed  the  way  for 
the  present  day  prosperous  organization.  He  appointed  as 
the  three  assistants  provided  by  the  motion  C.  W.  Geers 
of  Fort  Worth,  Col.  B.  C.  Murray  of  Denison  and  Col.  A.  R. 
McCollum  of  Waco.  At  the  35th  annual  meeting  of  the  Asso- 
ciation— two  years  after  the  author  accepted  the  office  of 
Historian — he  made  the  report  following,  which  is  taken  from 
the  Minutes  of  the  Wichita  Falls  meeting;  and  while  the  report 
in  a  number  of  respects  paraphrases  the  Author's  introduction 
to  this  volume,  the  Editor,  nevertheless,  deems  it  well  to  insert 
rhe  report  and  the  recommendations  concerning  it  to  show  the 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

fidelity  of  the  author  and  his  purposes  on  the  one  hand  and  the 
measure  of  gratitude  felt  by  the  Association  on  the  other). 

Special  Report — Historian. 

To  the  President  and  Members  of  the  Texas  Press  Association : 

At  the  annual  convention  of  the  Association  held  in  Tem- 
ple, in  May,  1912,  I  was  elected  historian,  with  the  understand- 
ing, on  my  part  at  least,  that  I  was  to  undertake  to  write  a 
history  of  this  organization.  I  have  compiled  a  work  which  I 
hope  will  meet  your  approbation  if  not  your  expectation,  and 
now  beg  to  present  it  to  you  with  this  report.  Never  having 
seen,  or  even  heard  of  a  history  of  a  press  association,  I  had 
no  "blazed  trail"  to  travel  and  so  had  to  work  out  a  way  of  my 
own.  I  have  done  my  best ;  and  yet  I  must  confess  that  I  am 
not  altogether  pleased  with  what  I  have  accomplished.  Still 
it  may  serve  the  purpose  of  furnishing  somewhat  of  the  matter 
a  future  and  abler  historian  may  need  in  compiling  a  better  and 
more  complete  history  of  this  Association. 

The  book  covers  something  more  than  four  hundred  pages 
of  manuscript,  and  is  divided  into  four  sections. 

The  first  section  is  composed  of  eleven  chapters,  besides 
the  introduction.  The  introduction  is  something  more  than  an 
introduction,  since  it  treats  of  matters  that  might  have  been 
better  segregated  into  a  chapter. 

The  first  chapter  tells  of  the  efforts  made  to  organize  a 
State  Press  Association  in  1853 ;  and  of  the  organizations  of 
1869  and  1873,  and  of  the  organization  of  the  present  Asso- 
ciation. 

The  second  chapter  deals  with  the  efforts  made  to  secure 
the  publication  of  legal  notices;  a  subject  which  has  been 
before  the  Association  at  every  annual  convention  since  its 
organization  in  1880 

The  third  chapter  is  a  recital  of  the  efforts  made  to  secure 
the  enactment  of  the  law  of  civil  libel.  Much  space  is  devoted 
to  that,  because  it  is  beyond  controversy  the  most  important 

296 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

legislation  ever  enacted  in  Texas  wherein  the  press  was  and  is 
peculiarly  interested. 

The  fourth  chapter  deals  with  the  anti-pass  law,  and  the 
efforts  made  to  secure  its  repeal  or  modification. 

The  fifth  chapter  tells  of  the  beginning  of  printing  in 
Texas,  in  1819. 

The  sixth  chapter  compares  the  printing  plants  of  pioneer 
days  with  the  plants  of  today;  and  attempts  to  show  the  im- 
provements made  in  printing  machinery  since  even  the  days  of 
Benjamin  Franklin. 

The  seventh  chapter  deals  with  the  growth  and  develop- 
ment of  printing  in  Texas  since  the  beginning  in  1819. 

The  eighth  chapter  is  devoted  to  our  fraternal  dead — 
"Lest  we  forget." 

The  ninth  chapter  is  about  print  paper,  and  the  advance 
made  in  that  line. 

The  tenth  and  eleventh  chapters  are  not  perhaps  germane 
to  history,  but  exercising  an  author's  privilege  I  tell  of  the 
duties  of  an  editor,  in  part,  as  I  see  it ;  and  the  value  of  news- 
paper files  and  the  importance  of  their  preservation. 

Part  second  is  given  over  to  the  proceedings  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, from  its  organization  up  to,  and  including,  the  annual 
convention  held  in  San  Antonio  in  1913,  showing  where  and 
when  the  convention  was  held,  who  presided,  who  responded 
to  roll  call,  and  the  papers  represented,  who  were  elected  to 
membership,  and  the  papers  represented,  the  committees  ap- 
pointed, the  legislation  attempted  and  perfected,  papers  read, 
etc. 

Part  three  is  composed  of  biographical  sketches  of  the  mem- 
bers. In  this  connection  your  historian  begs  to  complain  that 
out  of  about  four  hundred  self-addressed  and  postage-prepaid 
postal  cards  sent  out  by  the  secretary  to  the  members  asking 
for  biographical  sketches,  not  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty 
have  so  far  been  returned.  Was  it  because  of  modesty  or  of 
indifference?  Some  names  will  be  left  out  of  the  book,  and 

297 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

all  for  want  of  the  data  asked  for  and  which  could  have  been 
easily  given.  It  is  not  too  late  yet  if  the  tardy  ones  will  get 
busy. 

Part  four  is  a  reproduction  of  the  history  of  the  early 
newspapers  of  Texas  from  1819  to  1884,  by  Judge  A.  B.  Nor- 
ton, which  is  a  most  interesting  and  valuable  work  within 
itself. 

I  desire  to  return  grateful  acknowledgements  and  thanks 
to  the  members  of  the  Association  who  so  kindly  donated  the 
Corona  typewriter,  which  has  greatly  facilitated  the  work  and 
enabled  me  to  complete  it  in  time  to  present  it  to  you  at  this 
annual  convention.  Without  it,  I  do  not  see  how  I  could  have 
accomplished  what  I  have  within  the  time. 

I  desire  to  return  thanks  to  Mr.  A.  D.  Hodge,  of  the  West- 
Cullom  Paper  Company  of  Dallas,  for  his  kindness  in  donating 
the  paper  on  which  the  manuscript  of  this  book  was  written. 
I  am  sure  the  Association,  as  a  whole,  will  join  me  in  that. 

The  book,  which  has  been  a  labor  of  love,  and  that  without 
the  expectation  or  desire  of  fee  or  reward,  pecuniary  or  other- 
wise, is  presented  to  you  with  the  hope  that  it  will  meet  with, 
at  the  least,  a  qualified  approval.  The  Association,  each  and 
every  member  of  which  I  count  as  a  dear  friend,  has  paid  me 
many  times  over  in  kindnesses  and  honors  conferred  upon  me, 
and  I  will  feel  amply  repaid  for  the  work  I  have  done  if  only  it 
pleases  you.  I  only  request  if  from  any  cause  you  see  fit  not 
to  print  the  book  that  you  will  kindly  return  the  manuscript 
to  me. 

With  a  feeling  of  deepest  gratitude  for  all  the  Association 
has  done  for  me,  I  beg  to  be  remembered  always  as  the  true 
and  faithful  friend  of  each  and  all  of  you. 

F.  B.  BAILLIO. 

Upon  motion  of  C.  F.  Lehmann,  which  was  duly  carried, 
the  chair  appointed  D.  R.  Harris  of  Henderson,  Henry  Ed- 
wards of  Troup  and  Will  H.  Mayes  of  Austin,  to  take  charge 

298 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

of  the  manuscript  and  report  of  the  Historian  and  make  recom- 
mendations to  the  Association  respecting  disposal  of  the  same. 
This  committee  made  the  subjoined  recommendations  and  also 
introduced  the  resolutions  of  thanks  to  the  author  which  fol- 
lows thereafter.  Both  the  recommendations  and  the  resolu- 
tions were  unanimously  adopted  by  the  Association. 

Report  of  Committee  on  Disposition  of  Historical 
Manuscript. 

To  Hon.  J.  J.  Taylor,  President  Texas  Press  Association : 

We,  your  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  matter  of 
recommendations  respecting  the  HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS 
PRESS  ASSOCIATION  as  written  and  compiled  by  Col. 
F.  B.  Baillio  in  compliance  with  a  commission  from  this  Asso- 
ciation given  to  him  at  its  33rd  annual  session  held  in  Temple, 
beg  leave  to  report  as  follows : 

1.  We  recommend  that  this  history,  which,  while  it  pur- 
sues a  hitherto  untrodden  path  in  the  annals  of  the  craft,  is  a 
classic  covering  a  wide  scope  and  touching  many  points  vital 
and   interesting   in   the   ethics   and   history   of  journalism   in 
Texas,  be  published. 

2.  We  recommend  that  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Sam  P.  Harben 
and  Will  A.  Holford  be  appointed  a  committee  on  publication 
with  full  power  to  contract  for  the  issue  of  an  edition  of  300 
to  500  copies  as  may  seem  best  in  their  judgment. 

3.  We  recommend  that  this  committee  on  publication, 
after  ascertaining  the  cost  per  volume  of  this  edition  in  sub- 
stantial binding,  prepare  a  brief  circular  describing  the  scope 
of  the  history  and  naming  the  price  at  which  the  volume  can 
be  supplied  to  purchasers,  such  price  to  be  based  on  the  actual 
cost  of  production ;  and  that  this  committee  mail  this  circular 
to  all  members  of  the  Association  and  other  newspaper  pub- 
lishers in  the  State  together  with  a  letter  asking  that  each 
member  or  publisher  purchase  at  least  one  volume. 

4.  We  recommend  that  a  steel  engraving  of  the  author 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

be  the  frontispiece  of  the  volume;  and  that  such  biographical 
sketch  of  the  author  as  may  appear  in  the  volume  be  placed  on 
the  page  opposite  the  frontispiece. 

5.  We  recommend  that  the  sum  of  $100.00  be  appropri- 
ated from  the  Treasury  of  the  Association  for  the  purpose  of 
supplying  copies  of  this  volume  to  the  libraries  of  the  State 
institutions  of  learning  and  to  the  leading  public  libraries  of 
the  State. 

Resolutions  Thanking  the  Author. 

Whereas,  Col.  F.  B.  Baillio  has  for  more  than  a  generation 
evidenced  his  fidelity  and  love  for  the  newspaper  fraternity 
of  Texas,  and  particularly  for  the  Texas  Press  Association, 
first  by  never  having  missed  a  session  thereof,  and  in  a  thou- 
sand nameless  other  ways,  from  the  "God  bless  you"  and  the 
hearty  handshake  for  the  young,  obscure  or  timid  member,  to 
the  sacrifice  of  his  means  and  time  for  the  promotion  of  the 
every  interest  of  the  Association ;  and, 

Whereas,  in  the  evening  of  his  life,  he  has  added  a  crown- 
ing service  in  the  production  of  a  history  of  the  Association 
that  is  original  and  a  classic  covering  a  field  of  research  and 
requiring  an  effort  that  one  less  faithful,  less  loving  and  less 
sincere,  would  have  shrunk  from ;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  Association  here  express  its  sincere 
and  grateful  thanks  to  him  for  his  unvarying  and  inspiring 
devotion  to  its  interests  and  for  the  great  labor  of  love  which 
has  found  its  best  expression  in  the  history  which  he  was 
commissioned  to  write.  And  further  that  the  members  of 
this  Association  ever  remember  him  and  his  dear  ones  when 
offering  their  petitions  to  our  God. 

The  following  were  elected  to  membership : 

Joe  M.  Moore,  Lone  Oak  News;  John  R.  Mays,  Corsicana  Courier-  Light ; 
C.  W.  Warwick,  Randall  County  News,  Canyon ;  J.  Frank  Smith,  McKinney  Ex- 
aminer;  John  Gould,  Wichita  Falls  Daily  Times;  T.  R.  Poole,  Greenville  Herald; 
Tom  C.  Gooch,  Dallas  Times-Herald;  S.  E.  Miller,  Mineral  Wells  Hustler;  Joe 
M.  Warren,  Clarendon  News ;  Jack  H.  Estes,  Texas  &  Pacific  Magazine,  Dallas ; 
C.  H.  Abbott,  Southwestern  Telephone  News,  Dallas;  R.  Shuffler,  Olney  Enter- 

300 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

prise ;  W.  W.  Thornton,  Texarkana  Daily  Texarkanian ;  Sefch  Gunter,  Lindale  Re- 
porter;  W.  W.  L,everett,  Gainesville  Signal;  Claud  Councill,  Alvord  News;  E.  A. 
Carlock,  Paducah  Post;  J.  W.  Gay,  Crawford  Advance;  G.  G.  Dunkerly,  Ennis 
Daily  News ;  D.  S.  Harrison,  San  Augustine  Tribune ;  A.  W.  Perkins,  Dallas 
Home  &  State;  James  Calvert,  Wichita  Falls  Times;  J.  F.  Kempton,  Jr.,  Dallas 
Farm  &  Ranch;  Claude  Callan,  Ft.  Worth  Star-Telegram;  Frank  W.  Thomason, 
Petrolia  Enterprise ;  John  Grundy,  Byers  Herald ;  Oscar  Martin,  Haskell  Free 
Press;  E.  G.  Atlee,  Dallas  County  Record,  Dallas;  Fred  L.  Haskell,  Childress 
Index;  B.  T.  Shepherd,  Memphis  Democrat;  Tom  Finty,  Jr.,  Dallas  Evening 
Journal;  H.  W.  Blakeslee,  Associated  Press,  Dallas;  Frank  P.  Holland,  Jr.,  Hol- 
land's Magazine,  Dallas ;  Sam  A.  Roberts,  Burkburnett  Star ;  Mrs.  Lraura  V. 
Hamner,  Claude  News ;  Keating  Ransone,  Cleburne  Enterprise. 

The  Association  adopted  the  following  resolutions  which 
were  reported  regularly  to  the  body  by  the  committee  on  reso- 
lutions, Will  H.  Mayes,  chairman :  A  resolution  by  W.  C. 
Edwards  commending  the  General  Managers  of  Texas  rail- 
roads for  their  attitude  in  using  the  press  of  the  State  to  ac- 
quaint the  public  with  the  relationship  which  exists  between 
railroads  and  the  public ;  a  resolution  by  Mayes  and  Baillio  for- 
bidding to  any  member  the  right  to  vote  by  proxy  (  See  report 
of  Committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws  submitting  Section 
22  to  by-laws)  ;  a  resolution  by  Wm.  A.  Bowen  endorsing  the 
participation  by  the  State  of  Texas  in  the  Panama-Pacific  Ex- 
position to  be  held  in  San  Francisco  in  1915;  a  resolution  by 
Will  H.  Mayes  endorsing  the  National  Editorial  As- 
sociation in  its  efforts  to  have  Congress  forbid  the  printing 
and  sale  by  the  Government  of  envelopes  in  competition  with 
private  printers,  and  urging  the  membership  of  the  Association 
to  take  the  matter  up  by  letter  and  editorial  with  their  respec- 
tive Congressmen ;  a  resolution  by  W.  E.  Wallace  favoring  the 
amendment  of  the  State  Printing  Laws,  making  compulsory 
the  publication  of  notices  pertaining  to  sales  made  under  law 
to  enforce  collection  of  debts,  and  requiring  the  President  of 
the  Association  to  appoint  a  committee  of  three  to  draft  a  law 
seeking  to  correct  the  matters  complained  of  and  go  to  Austin 
to  make  an  effort  to  secure  its  passage ;  a  resolution  by  Wm. 
A.  Bowen  and  C.  F.  Lehmann  instructing  the  Secretary  of  the 
Association  to  request  in  the  name  of  the  Association  all  Texas 
Congressmen  and  Senators  to  support  a  bill  then  pending  in 

301 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Congress  to  amend  the  Interstate  Commerce  Act  so  that  news- 
papers would  be  permitted  to  exchange  advertising  space  for 
interstate  transportation ;  a  resolution  by  J.  A.  Thomas  assur- 
ing to  Mr.  James  Buchanan,  who  had  recently  retired  from  the 
managership  of  the  American  Typefounders  Company  of  Dal- 
las the  Association's  sincere  esteem  and  best  wishes  for  his 
happiness  and  prosperity,  wherever  he  might  go  or  whatever 
business  he  might  engage  in;  a  resolution  by  D.  R.  Harris 
commending  the  work  of  the  Texas  Industrial  Congress, 
pledging  the  support  of  the  Association  to  the  Congress,  ex- 
pressing sorrow  at  the  death  of  the  President  of  the  Congress, 
Col.  Henry  Exall,  Texas'  foremost  agriculturist,  and  commend- 
ing the  Exall  Farm  Book  as  a  plain,  practical  book  on  better 
farming  and  of  much  benefit  to  Texas  farmers. 

The  Association  also  adopted  a  resolution  by  the  Resolu- 
tion Committee  expressing  the  sincerest  gratitude  to  the 
unrivaled  citizenship  of  Wichita  Falls  for  the  courtesies  of 
unusual  hospitality  and  cordiality.  This  resolution  contained 
among  many  other  beautiful  sentiments  the  fo'lDwing  beauti- 
ful lines : 

"There    are    words    we    can    not   utter, 

There   are   thoughts   too   sweet   for  words 
Though   our  voices   in   our  partings 
Were    as    musical    as    birds'." 

Other  resolutions  and  motions  were  introduced  from  the 
floor  and  passed,  their  subject  matter  being  mainly  to  extend 
sympathies  to  members  detained  by  sorrows  and  bereavements 
or  to  commend  the  work  of  certain  committees.  One  motion 
of  special  import,  made  by  W.  C.  Edwards,  and  passed,  pro- 
vided that  the  papers  of  absent  members  of  an  annual  program 
should  not  be  read  from  the  floor  but  only  printed  in  the 
minutes. 

The  Association,  in  adopting  the  report  of  the  Committee 
on  Constitution  and  By-Laws,  made  Article  5  of  the  constitu- 
tion to  read  as  follows  and  added  to  the  by-laws  "Section  22" 
below : 

302 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Article  5. — The  officers  of  this  Association  shall  be  one 
president,  one  vice-president,  an  attorney,  one  secretary,  one 
assistant  secretary,  one  treasurer,  and  an  executive  committee 
(to  be  composed  of  one  member  from  each  congressional  dis- 
trict) and  of  which  the  president  shall  be  ex-officio  chairman, 
and  the  secretary  shall  be  ex-officio  member.  These  shall  be 
elected  annually  by  the  association  except  the  executive  com- 
mittee, which  shall  be  appointed  by  the  president,  and  the 
assistant  secretary,  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  secretary. 
There  shall  be  also  one  permanent  flag  custodian  and  one  per- 
manent historian,  which  officers  shall  be  elected  by  the  associa- 
tion as  vacancies  occur.  There  shall  also  be  chosen,  at  each 
annual  meeting,  an  orator,  an  essayist,  and  a  poet,  whose 
duties  shall  be  to  deliver  at  the  next  annual  meeting  thereafter, 
respectively,  an  oration,  an  essay  and  a  poem. 

Section  22  (By-Laws). — All  votes  cast  by  the  members  of 
this  Association  upon  any  question  up  for  consideration  at 
any  annual  session  shall  be  cast  by  each  member,  not  by  proxy 
or  substitution,  but  in  person ;  provided  that  the  secretary  may 
cast  the  vote  of  the  association  when  by  vote  of  the  Associa- 
tion he  is  empowered  so  to  do. 

The  Finance  Committee's  report  was  adopted  approving 
the  reports  of  the  secretary  and  treasurer  and  instructing  the 
secretary  to  draw  on  each  member  of  the  Association  whose 
dues  are  delinquent.  The  secretary's  salary  was  fixed  at  $75.00, 
as  for  previous  years.  The  secretary's  report  showed  total 
collection  of  $566.00  since  his  former  report ;  the  treasurer's 
report  showed  a  balance  on  hand,  as  of  May  31,  1914,  of 
$104.17.  The  report  of  the  finance  committee  having  in  charge 
the  entertainment  of  the  National  Editorial  Association  which 
had  visited  Texas  that  year,  showed  a  balance  on  hand  of  the 
entertainment  fund  (raised  by  voluntary  subscriptions  of  the 
members  of  the  Texas  Press  Association)  of  $101.00.  This 
sum  was  turned  into  the  treasury  of  the  Texas  Press  Asso- 
ciation. 

303 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Officers  for  1914-15: 

President — D.    R.    Harris,    Rusk    County    News; 
Vice  President — Walter  B.  Whitman,  Holland's  Magazine,  Dallas; 
Secretary — Sam    P.    Harben,    Richardson    Echo; 
Assistant    Secretary — R.    F.    Gates,    Bartlett    Tribune; 
Treasurer — C.    F.    Lehmann,    Hallettsville    Herald,    (Houston); 
General  Attorney — C.  E.  Gilmore,  Wills  Point,  Life  Member; 
Essayist — Mrs.    Laura  Hamner,   Claude    News; 
Orator — Lee   J.    Rountree,    Georgetown    Commercial; 
Poet — J.    H.    Lowry,    Honey    Grove    Signal; 
Historian — F.  B.  Baillio,  Cleburne; 
Flag    Custodian — J.    S.    Daley,    Dublin    Progress. 
Executive  Committeeman  N.  E.  A. — Tom  W.  Perkins. 
Executive    Committee,    State-at- Large — Henry   Edwards, 
Jno.  W.  Stayton,  E.  P.  Haney,  Judd  Mortimer  Lewis. 

Executive  Committee,  Congressional  Districts  —  R.  B. 
Lockhart,  D.  S.  Harrison,  R.  H.  Richardson,  J.  D.  Moyer, 
Frank  Ezzell,  A.  N.  Justiss,  A.  H.  Luker,  R.  F.  Gates,  L. 
Seabrook,  C.  A.  McNaughton,  W.  H.  Whitley,  O.  H.  Pooie, 
Harry  Koch,  H.  F.  Mayes,  F.  M.  Getzendaner,  S.  E.  Miller. 
Printing  Committee — Sam  P.  Harben,  R.  O.  Gresham,  R. 
F.  Gates,  C.  F.  Lehmann. 

Legislative  Committee — J.  A.  Thomas,  W.  C.  Edwards, 
C.  E.  Gilmore,  Lloyd  P.  Lochridge,  C.  B.  Gillespie,  W.  S. 
Spotts,  Wm.  A.  Bowen,  Ed  F.  Blackshear. 

Committee  to  Investigate  Feasibility  of  Establishing 
Home  for  Superannuated  Members — Chas.  M.  Barnes,  Frank 
P.  Holland,  F.  T.  Roche.  - 

Program  Committee — F.  B.  Baillio,  Walter  B.  Whitman, 
Will  A.  Holford,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  E.  C.  Hunter,  R.  E.  Yantis, 
Thomas  H.  Napier. 

Delegates  to  N.  E.  A.— Miss  M.  E.  Neal,  Carthage;  A.  C. 
Baldwin,  Austin ;  C.  M.  Barnes,  San  Antonio ;  Will  H.  Mayes, 
Brownwood;  Frank  P.  Holland,  Dallas;  N.  P.  Houx,  Mexia ; 
Joe  J.  Taylor,  Dallas  ;  J.  S.  Daley,  Dublin ;  J.  H.  Lowry,  Honey 
Grove;  H.  B.  Terrell,  West;  G.  B.  Whitley,  Jacksonville;  Fred 

304 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

B.  Robinson,  Waco;  R.  E.  Yantis,  Athens;  W.  A.  Johnson, 
Memphis;  W.  A.  Adair,  Marshall;  A.  R.  McCollum,  Waco; 
R.  M.  Johnston,  Houston;  H.  A.  Gibbs,  Harlingen;  Monroe 
Drew,  Kaufman;  John  E.  Davis,  Mesquite;  F.  C.  Thompson, 
McKinney ;  Ashley  Evans,  Bohham ;  M.  E.  Foster,  Houston ; 
H.  V.  Hamilton,  Palestine ;  C.  F.  Lehmann,  Houston ;  L.  J. 
Rountree,  Georgetown. 

The  social  features  provided  by  the  civic  and  social  organ- 
izations of  Wichita  Falls  were  so  numerous  and  varied  that 
limitations  of  space  forbid  their  enumeration.  Miss  La  Verne 
Gates,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  R.  F.  Gates,  charmed  with 
several  of  her  most  choice  readings  and  Mrs.  Fred  W.  Botts  of 
New  Orleans  thrilled  the  convention  with  a  solo  of  rarest  qual- 
ity. Excursions  were  made  to  the  oil  and  gas  fields  of  Petrolia 
and  visits  made  to  Lake  Wichita  and  to  many  of  the  numerous 
industrial  plants  of  the  entertaining  city. 

Corpus  Christi  was  chosen  for  the  36th  annual  meeting 
(1915)  by  a  vote  of  45  to  Austin's  35  after  the  withdrawal  of 
Mineral  Wells,  the  only  other  candidates  for  the  next  meeting. 
A  silver  tea  set  was  presented  to  retiring  President  Taylor, 
Hon.  Lee  J.  Rountree  making  the  presentation  address. 

A  brief  of  the  program  shows : 

Annual  Address President  J.  J.  Taylor 

The  Business  End  of  a  Country  Newspaper.  .R.  M.  Thompson 

Should  Mail-Order  Advertising  be  Taken? Orion  Proctor 

My  Idea  of  What  a  Country  Newspaper 

Should  Be Will  A.  Holford 

Should  the  Newspaper  and  Job  Office  Be 

Divorced? J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr. 

The  Value  of  Newspaper  Files  and  Their 

Preservation   J.  E.  H.  Railley 

Is  the  Country  Publisher  Spending  too  Much 

for  Improvements  ? B.  F.  Harigel 

305 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  Proper  Care  of  Type  and  Machinery.  .  .  .Will  H.  Whitley 

School  of  Journalism Dean  Will  H.  Mayes 

About  the  Job  Office  and  Job  Printing E.  L.  Stone 

Getting  Foreign  Advertising Frank  P.  Holland,  Jr. 

The  Telephone  as  an  Asset  to  the  Publisher.  .J.  E.  Farnsworth 

Newspaper  Problems Wright  A.  Patterson 

Cleanliness  and  System  in  the  Newspaper  Office.  .Ben  Hartley 

How  to  Run  a  Successful  Magazine Walter  B.  Whitman 

The  members  attending  the  thirty-fifth  annual  convention 
follow : 

C.  H.  Abbott,  J.  M.  Adams,  E.  G.  Atlee,  F.  B.  Baillio,  H.  W.  Blakeslee,  Ed 
F.  Blackshear,  W.  A.  Bowen,  Sam  Bras-well,  James  Calvert,  R.  F.  Gates,  Claude 
Callan,  M.  Clendenin,  John  E.  Cooke,  Cyrus  Coleman,  Claud  Council!,  J.  S. 
Daley,  R.  B.  Donnell,  Henry  Edwards,  Jack  H.  Estes,  W.  C.  Edwards,  Frank 
Ezzell,  G.  Wk  Faulkner,  S.  C,  Findley,  H.  A.  Gibbs,  C.  E.  Gilmore,  Tom  C. 
Gooch,  John  Gould,  R.  O.  Gresham,  Jas.  A.  Greer,  O.  P.  Gresham,  John  Grundy, 
Mrs.  Laura  Hamner,  E.  P.  Haney,  D.  R.  Harris,  Will  A.  Harris,  Fred  L.  Haskett, 
Jr.,  Frank  P.  Holland,  Jr.,  Sam  C.  Holloway,  Fred  Horton,  N.  P.  Houx,  Ed 
Howard,  L.  P.  Henslee,  E.  M.  Hulbert,  W.  A.  Johnson,  J.  F.  Kempton,  Jr.,  Harry 
Koch,  C.  F.  Lehmann,  F.  M.  Littlepage,  J.  H.  Lowry,  A.  H.  Luker,  Thos.  B. 
Lusk,  Oscar  Martin,  Will  H.  iuayes,  John  R.  Mays,  S.  E.  Miller,  Joe  M.  Moore, 
B.  C.  Murray,  Harve  P.  Nelson,  A.  W.  Perkins,  R.  K.  Phillips,  T.  R.  Poole, 
J.  L,.  Pope,  Orion  Proctor,  J.  E.  H.  Railey,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  Keating  Ransone, 
R.  V.  Reavis,  Sam  A.  Roberts,  Fred  B.  Robinson,  Lee  J.  Rountree,  H.  T. 
Schwenker,  B.  T.  Shepherd,  R.  Shuffler,  Ross  Simpson,  A.  W.  Sledge,  J.  Frank 
Smith,  W.  S.  Spotts,  John  W.  Stayton,  W.  Straley,  Joe  J.  Taylor,  H.  B.  Terrell, 
J.  A.  Thomas,  J.  C.  Thomas,  W.  G.  Thomas,  Frank  W.  Thomason,  F.  C.  Thomp- 
son, Homer  D.  Wade,  M.  E.  Wallace,  C.  W.  Warwick,  Joe  M.  Warren,  W.  L. 
West,  C.  W.  Wilson,  W.  H.  Whitley,  G.  B.  Whitley,  Walter  B.  Whitman,  R.  E. 
Yantis,  W.  W.  Simmons. 


306 


Thirty-sixth  Annual  Convention — 1915 


THE  thirty-sixth  annual  meeting  of  the  Association  con- 
vened in  Loyd's  Pavilion  in  Corpus  Christi,  Thursday 
morning,  June  10,  1915,  President  D.  R.  Harris  presiding.  Rev. 
J.  W.  Sikes  of  that  city  invoked  God's  blessings  upon  the  body. 
Mayor  Roy  Miller  of  the  city  extended  formal  welcome  in  most 
happy  phrase  and  Dean  Will  H.  Mayes  of  the  School  of  Jour- 
nalism of  the  State  University  responded  thereto.  President 
Harris  then  delivered  his  annual  address,  "a  classic  of  the  craft 
and  a  masterpiece  worthy  and  true."  At  this  particular  time 
a  very  tense  international  situation  had  arisen  because  of  the 
sinking  of  the  Lusitania  which  caused  the  loss  of  more  than 
100  American  lives;  and  because  the  Secretary  of  State  had 
resigned  because  of  disagreement  with  President  Wilson.  The 
Association,  true  to  its  traditions  of  patriotism  unanimously 
adopted  the  following  resolution  introduced  by  Col.  Frank  P. 
Holland,  Sr. : 

Resolved,  That  this  Association  instruct  the  secretary  to 
send  by  telegraph  the  following  message  to  President  Wood- 
row  Wilson : 

"The  Texas  Press  Association,  in  convention  assembled, 
unreservedly  endorses  your  policy  for  our  country  in  the 
present  world  crisis.  And  we  hope  that  when  the  horrible  con- 
flict is  ended,  guided  by  your  unyielding  love  of  righteous 
peace,  she  shall  have  passed  through  its  frightfulness  without 
so  much  as  the  smell  of  fire  on  her  garments,  this  nation,  as 
the  friend  of  humanity  and  the  one  power  that  in  the  midst 
of  insanity  remained  sane,  will  be  turned  to  by  the  world  to 
shape  the  terms  of  universal  peace  and  lead  in  the  rehabilita- 
tion of  mankind." 

The  following  reply  to  the  message  wired  to  President 
Wilson  was  received : 

"The  Whitehouse,  Washington,  June  n,  1915. — My  Dear 

307 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Mr.  Harben :  The  President  has  received  your  very  kind  mes- 
sage of  June  loth,  and  has  asked  me  to  thank  you  warmly  for 
it.  He  desires  me  to  assure  you,  and  through  you,  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Texas  Press  Association  of  his  genuine  apprecia- 
tion of  this  expression  of  confidence  and  support.  He  is 
greatly  heartened  by  your  generous  words.  Sincerely  yours. 
-J.  P.  Tumulty,  Secretary  to  the  President." 

The  following  preamble  and  resolution  proposed  by  Henry 
Edwards  was,  by  motion  of  the  body,  wired  to  Col.  Baillio,  the 
author  and  compiler  of  this  volume : 

"The  absence  of  Col.  F.  B.  Baillio  from  this  meeting  of 
the  Texas  Press  Association  is  noted  by  every  member  with  a 
feeling  of  keenest  disappointment,  it  being  the  first  time  he  has 
failed  to  be  present  within  the  memory  even  of  our  longest 
time  members.  The  cheery  smile  and  the  soulful  handclasp 
and  brotherly  greeting  by  which  he  has  hitherto  invariably 
contributed  so  materially  to  the  good  fellowship  of  our  annual 
meetings  are  lacking.  We  know  that  his  spirit  is  with  us  now 
though  his  body  is  claimed  at  home  by  infirmities  of  the  flesh ; 
therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  our  secretary  be  requested  to  wire  him  as 
follows:  'Every  member  of  the  Texas  Press  Association  feels 
a  sorrow  inexpressible  at  your  absence ;  and  our  prayers  ascend 
for  your  speedy  restoration  to  good  health.  With  the  most 
affectionate  greetings  to  you,  we  keep  you  ever  in  our  memory. 

'Texas  Press  Association.'  " 

The  following  committees  were  named : 

Committee  on  Finance  —  Will  C.  Edwards,  chairman, 
Record  and  Chronicle,  Denton ;  W.  Sherwood  Spotts,  Fannin 
County  Favorite,  Bonham ;  Sam  C.  Holloway,  Times,  Deport ; 
John  E.  Davis,  Mesquiter,  Mesquite;  J.  H.  Lowry,  Signal, 
Honey  Grove. 

Committee  on  Resolutions  —  John  E.  Cooke,  Reporter, 
Rockdale,  chairman ;  A.  H.  Luker,  Messenger,  Grapeland ;  J.  R. 
Ransone,  Jr.,  Enterprise,  Cleburne ;  M.  E.  Wallace,  Eagle, 
Bryan ;  C.  H.  Abbott,  Southwestern  Telephone  News,  Dallas. 

308 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws  —  Henry  Ed- 
wards, Banner,  Troup,  chairman ;  G.  H.  Boynton,  Herald, 
Hamilton ;  J.  P.  Chambless,  Signal,  Snyder ;  Cyrus  Coleman, 
Independent,  Henrietta;  W.  W.  Thornton,  Texarkanian,  Tex- 
arkana. 

Committee  on  Membership — Tom  B.  Lusk,  News-Herald, 
Italy,  chairman;  R.  A.  Alford,  News,  Granger;  Ben  F.  Smith, 
Beacon,  Lockney;  Geo.  B.  Whitley,  Progress,  Jacksonville; 
J.  E.  H.  Railley,  Herald,  Weatherford. 

Committee  on  Revision  of  the  Roll  —  Lee  J.  Rountree, 
Commercial,  Georgetown,  chairman;  C.  F.  Lehmann,  San  An- 
tonio; Sam  M.  Braswell,  Express,  Venus;  O.  P.  Gresham, 
Pythian  Banner-Knight,  Temple;  J.  A.  Thomas,  Monitor, 
Mineola. 

Memorial  Committee  —  (This  committee  appointed  at 
Wichita  Falls  for  one  year) — R.  E.  Yantis,  Review,  Athens, 
chairman ;  F.  C.  Thompson,  Examiner,  McKinney ;  Sam  P. 
Harben,  Echo,  Richardson. 

The  President's  address  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  a 
committee  composed  of  Lee  J.  Rountree,  G.  E.  Watford  and 
J.  C.  Florea,  who  in  due  time  submitted  a  report  accepting  the 
address  and  commending  the  administration  of  President  Har- 
ris as  "wise,  business-like,  unselfish  and  worthy  of  emulation." 

Telegrams  and  letters  of  regret  appear  in  the  Minutes 
from  more  than  a  score  of  members  who  had  a  notable  record 
for  regular  attendance  at  the  annual  meetings — the  absence  of 
a  majority  of  whom  was  due  to  unusually  heavy  rains  disar- 
ranging railway  traffic  in  portions  of  the  State.  Will  C.  Ed- 
wards submitted  a  list  of  forty  upon  whom  the  Association 
bestowed  the  distinction  of  honorary  membership  because  of 
their  services  to  the  Association,  their  rank  in  the  councils  of 
state,  their  attainments  in  the  ranks  of  business  or  their 
achievements  as  educators  and  men  of  affairs.  The  honorary 
list  is  too  long  for  publication  here. 

Upon  report  of  the  committee  on  membership  the  follow- 
ing were  elected  to  membership  in  the  Association  : 

309 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

L.  T.  Hoyt,  Mercedes  Tribune;  Geo.  Waverly  Briggs,  Galveston  News;  G.  I/. 
Carnes,  Carthage  East  Texas  Register ;  R.  V.  Holland,  Holland's,  Dallas ;  J.  H. 
Davenport,  Austin  American ;  Hal  H.  Sevier,  Austin  American ;  James  C.  White, 
Brownwood  Bulletin ;  J.  P.  Simpson,  Portland  Reporter ;  M.  M.  McFarland, 
Alpine  Avalanche ;  Mrs.  E.  Gertrude  Gibbs,  La  Feria  Leader ;  Andrew  Folsom, 
Corpus  Christi  Democrat ;  C.  T.  Tyron,  Corpus  Christi  Democrat ;  Webster  F. 
Hays,  Mt.  Enterprise  Herald;  George  D.  Armistead,  San  Antonio  Express;  Ed- 
ward L.  Manson,  McGregor  Mirror;  John  N.  Green,  Leonard  Graphic;  Isadore 
Moritz,  Edinburg  Hidalgo  Advance;  Fred  I.  Massengill,  Terrell  Transcript;  L.  G. 
Waggoner,  Miami  Chief;  C.  L.  Phillips,  Milfocd  News;  A.  G.  Richardson,  McLean 
News;  Z.  S.  Armstrong,  Garland  News;  M.  S.  Sellers,  Brady  Sentinel;  Fred 
Wankan,  Piano  Star-Courier;  M.  D.  Townley,  Lampasas  Blade;  V.  M.  Loring, 
Mason  County  News,  Mason ;  Robt.  L.  Baldridge,  Clifton  Record ;  L.  F.  Wadte, 
Talpa  Post;  Chas.  R.  Devall,  Mt.  Vernon  Optic-Herald;  E.  E.  Allen,  Alto 
Herald;  C.  C.  Cox,  Wolfe  City  Sun;  S.  W.  Adams,  Port  Lavaca  Wave;  Georg-e 
Neu,  Brenham  Banner;  D.  N.  Barrow,  Dallas  Progressive  Farmer;  Grade  Callo- 
way,  Comanche  Chief- Exponent;  L.  W.  Wilkinson,  Rockwall  County  Tribune; 
Rockwall;  R.  T.  Craig,  Chandler  Times;  Will  W.  Price,  Brackettville  News-Mail; 
Miss  Ida  M.  Farrell,  Glazier  Review;  W.  N.  Beard,  Ft.  Worth  Southwest 
Magazine;  F.  A.  Taylor,  Longview  Leader;  M.  C.  Wilkes,  Llano  News;  Wyche 
Greer,  El  Paso  Times;  C.  M.  Nichols,  Kimble  County  Citizen,  Junction;  J.  Claude 
Wells,  Hedley  Informer;  D.  B.  Coates,  Kilgore  Chronicle;  T.  A.  Buckner,  Kerr- 
ville  Advance ;  Ben  Ford,  Cherokee  Sun,  Rusk ;  A.  H.  Willbern,  Llano  Search- 
light; P.  N.  Thomas,  Wood  County  Democrat,  Quitman;  Fred  M.  Herndon,  Win- 
dom  Herald ;  Miss  Clara  Linton,  Hamilton  Record ;  C.  M.  Evans,  Bryan  Eagle ; 
Clint  Thompson,  McKinney  Examiner. 

O.  C.  Harrison  who,  at  the  thirty-fourth  annual  conven- 
tion, had  shown  to  the  body  the  wide  variations  and  irrecon- 
cilable differences  in  prices  of  job  work,  as  charged  by  the 
printers  of  the  State ;  and  who  had  then  been  appointed  to 
compile  data  and  make  recommendations  at  the  next  meeting 
looking  to  the  establishment  of  more  nearly  uniform  prices, 
had  been  detained  from  attending  the  next  (35th)  annual 
meeting.  True  to  the  task  committed  to  him,  he  appeared  at 
this  meeting  with  his  report,  submitted  a  form  of  job-envelope 
and  asked  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  co-operate  with 
him  in  getting  the  system  which  this  envelope  implied  before 
the  Association.  H.  H.  Orem,  Tom  B.  Lusk  and  E.  L.  Manson 
were  appointed  to  assist  Mr.  Harrison. 

The  following  resolution,  a  deserved  "flower  for  the  liv- 
ing," signed  by  C.  F.  Lehmann,  W.  C.  Edwards  and  G.  B. 
Whitley,  was  passed  without  reference  to  the  Committee  on 
Resolutions : 

310 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"Whereas,  our  untiring  secretary,  the  Hon.  Sam  P.  Har- 
ben,  has,  during  all  the  years  of  his  incumbency,  shown  an 
unparalleled  fidelity  and  efficiency  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duties ;  and,  whereas,  for  the  present  year  in  particular,  he  has 
made  unusual  sacrifices  in  his  personal  affairs  through  which 
the  entire  membership  of  the  Association  find  themselves  direct 
beneficiaries  in  a  large  and  material  manner,  and  through 
which  the  Association  finds  itself  increased  in  new  member- 
ship beyond  the  record  of  growth  for  any  previous  year; 
therefore,  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  this  Association,  by  unanimous  vote, 
express  its  most  sincere  thanks  to  our  beloved  secretary  and 
commend  to  the  individual  members,  for  their  emulation,  his 
faithful  service,  untiring  fidelity  and  unflagging  zeal." 

Later  during  the  convention,  the  Minutes  show,  D.  C. 
McCaleb  gained  recognition  "under  the  plea  of  personal  privi- 
lege," and  presented  to  Secretary  Harben  a  beautiful  silver 
service,  the  gift  of  the  individual  members  of  the  Association 
in  further  attestation  of  his  eminent  services. 

The  following  resolutions  formulated  by  the  committee 
on  resolutions,  or  approved  by  them,  were  adopted :  A  series 
of  resolutions  thanking  the  people,  Rotary  Club  and  other 
organizations  of  "Corpus  Christi  by  the  Sea"  for  the  hospitality 
and  entertainment  extended ;  a  resolution  thanking  W.  G. 
Crush,  Geo.  F.  Lupton  and  E.  F.  Blomeyer,  all  distinguished 
railroad  general  passenger  agents ;  a  resolution  thanking  Hon. 
Earl  W.  Hodges,  Secretary  of  State  for  Arkansas  and  Secre- 
tary of  the  Press  Association  of  that  commonwealth,  for  his 
proffered  services  to  assist  in  campaign  in  Texas  to  require  by 
law  the  publication  of  legal  notices ;  a  resolution  by  Rountree, 
Whitman  and  Gaston  approving  the  rural  school  bill  and  com- 
mending the  legislature  for  its  passage ;  a  resolution  by  Con- 
gressman Sumners  favoring  legislation  favorable  to  a  better 
system  of  marketing;  a  resolution  by  W.  J.  Buie  commending 
ihe  School  of  Journalism  of  the  State  University;  a  resolution 

311 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

by  Blackwell  favoring  the  right  of  contract  as  now  applied  to 
interstate  transportation,  which  right  is  denied  by  the  Inter- 
state Commerce  Commission. 

From  the  floor  Will  A.  Harris  introduced  a  resolution 
endorsing  Hon.  Lee  J.  Rountree  for  the  presidency  of  the 
National  Editorial  Association.  This  was  adopted  unanimous- 
ly by  the  body  as  was  also  a  resolution  by  Lehmann  making 
the  Hon.  Earl  W.  Hodges,  Secretary  of  the  Arkansas  Press 
Association,  an  honorary  member  and  inviting  him  to  accept  a 
place  on  the  program  of  the  next  annual  convention. 

The  report  of  the  Committee  on  Constitution  and  By-Laws 
was  adopted  by  the  body  and  thus  again  our  "old  friend  so 
often  in  the  limelight,"  Article  5  of  the  constitution,  was 
changed.  This  article  whose  evolution  through  the  series  of 
years  covered  by  this  history  is  indeed  remarkable,  whatever 
may  be  its  changes  in  the  future,  now  stands  as  follows : 

Article  5. — The  officers  of  this  association  shall  be  one 
president,  one  vice-president,  an  attorney,  one  secretary,  one 
assistant  secretary,  one  treasurer,  these  to  be  elected  annually, 
and  an  executive  committee,  to  be  composed  of  six  (6)  mem- 
bers, of  which  the  president  shall  be  ex-officio  chairman,  and 
the  secretary  shall  be  ex-officio  member.  These  shall  be  elect- 
ed for  a  term  of  three  years  ;  two  (2)  being  elected  by  the  Asso- 
ciation each  year,  provided  that  the  first  year  two  shall  be 
elected  for  one  year  and  two  for  two  years  only,  and  one  assis- 
tant secretary  shall  be  appointed  by  the  secretary.  There 
shall  be  also  one  permanent  flag  custodian  and  one  permanent 
historian  which  officers  shall  be  elected  by  the  Association  as 
vacancies  occur.  There  shall  also  be  chosen  at  each  annual 
meeting,  an  orator,  an  essayist,  and  a  poet,  whose  duties  shall 
be  to  deliver  at  the  next  annual  meeting  thereafter,  respec- 
tively, an  oration,  an  essay  and  a  poem." 

From  the  report  of  G.  H.  Boynton,  chairman  of  the  Special 
Legislative  Committee  appointed  by  the  Association  to  secure, 
if  possible,  the  passage  of  a  just  and  adequate  law  requir- 

312 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

ing  the  publication  of  legal  notices,  rather  than  the  posting  of 
same,  we  reproduce  the  text  of  the  bill  which  was  introduced 
in  the  Thirty-Fourth  Legislature.  This  bill  was  drawn  by 
Judge  E.  G.  Senter,  a  former  member  of  the  Association  and 
its  General  Attorney  for  years,  a  champion  of  the  Association, 
we  may  say,  to  whose  talent  and  zeal  we  are  more  largely 
indebted  perhaps  than  to  any  other  individual  for  the  enact- 
ment into  law  of  those  measures  affecting  the  Association  and 
advocated  by  it  in  former  years.  The  measure,  though  it  failed 
of  passage,  is  as  follows : 

A  Bill  to  be  Entitled 

An  Act  to  require  the  publication  in  some  newspaper  of 
general  circulation  of  all  notices  now  required  by  law  or  con- 
tract to  >be  given  of  any  act  or  proceeding,  whether  public  or 
private,  or  relating  to  a  judicial,  executive  or  legislative  matter, 
which  notice  is  now  authorized  by  law  or  contract  to  be  made 
by  posting  notices  in  one  or  more  public  places,  fixing  the  time 
of  such  publication,  and  the  compensation,  repealing  all  laws 
and  parts  of  laws  in  conflict  herewith  and  declaring  an  emer- 
gency. 
BE  IT  ENACTED  BY  THE  LEGISLATURE  OF  THE 

STATE  OF  TEXAS: 

Section  i.  That  whenever  by  law  or  contract  notice  is 
required  to  be  given  of  any  act  or  proceeding,  whether  public 
or  private,  or  relating  to  a  judicial,  executive  or  legislative 
matter,  which  notice  is  now  authorized,  either  by  law  or  con- 
tract to  be  made  by  posting  notices  in  one  or  more  public 
places,  such  notices  shall  hereafter  be  given  by  publication 
thereof,  in  a  newspaper  of  general  circulation,  which  has  been 
continuously  and  regularly  published  for  a  period  of  not  less 
than  one  year,  in  the  county  in  which  said  act  or  proceeding  is 
to  occur. 

Section  2.  All  notices  published  under  the  provisions  of 
this  act  shall  be  printed  at  least  once  each  week  for  the  period 
of  time  now  required  for  posting  such  notices. 

313 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Section  3.  In  the  event  no  paper  should  be  published  in 
the  county  where  such  notice  is  required  to  be  given,  publica- 
tion thereof  shall  be  made  in  a  newspaper  published  in  any 
county  nearest  thereto. 

Section  4.  The  price  to  be  paid  for  all  publications  re- 
quired by  this  act  shall  be  one  dollar  per  square  of  one  hundred 
words,  for  the  first  insertion  and  fifty  cents  per  square  for  each 
subsequent  insertion. 

Section  5.  All  laws  and  parts  of  laws  in  conflict  with  the 
provisions  of  this  act  are  hereby  repealed. 

Section  6.  There  being  no  adequate  and  uniform  law 
requiring  publication  of  notices  required  to.  be  given,  creates 
an  imperative  necessity  requiring  the  suspension  of  the  con- 
stitutional rule  that  all  bills  be  read  on  three  several  days  and 
the  same  is  hereby  suspended,  and  this  law  shall  become 
effective  from  and  after  its  passage  and  it  is  so  enacted. 

The  report  of  the  finance  committee,  adopted  by  the  con- 
vention, approved  the  reports  of  the  secretary  and  the  treas- 
urer; instructed  the  secretary  to  drop  from  the  rolls  all  mem- 
bers more  than  two  years  in  arrears  with  their  dues  and  to 
notify  such  members  of  the  action ;  and  fixed  the  salary  of 
the  secretary  at  $100.00  per  year.  The  secretary's  report  show- 
ed collections  made  since  his  previous  report  amounting  to 
$714.00.  The  treasurer's  report  showed  cash  on  hand,  as  of 
June  5,  $330.62. 

Officers  for  1915-16: 

President — Walter   B.   Whitman,   Holland's,  Dallas; 

Vice     President — Henry     Edwards,    Troup     Banner; 

Secretary — Sam   P.    Harben,    Richardson   Echo; 

Assistant    Secretary — R.    F.    Gates,    Bartlett   Tribune; 

Flag  Custodian — J.  S.  Daley,  Dublin  Progress. 

Treasurer — C.    F.    Lehmann,    San   Antonio; 

Attorney — C.    E.    Gilmore,    Wills    Point; 

Essayist — Mrs.  E.  Gertrude  Gibbs,  La  Feria  Leader; 

Orator — W.    A.    Smith,    San    Saba    News; 

Poet — J.   H.  Lowry,  Honey  Grove  Signal; 

Historian — F.   B.  Baillio,  Cleburne; 

314 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Flag  Custodian — J.   S.   Daley,   Dublin   Progress. 

Executive  Committee — (One  year  term)  J.  A.  Thomas, 
Will  H.  Whitley;  (two  year  term)  Frank  P.  Holland,  Sr.,  W. 
Sherwood  Spotts ;  (three  year  term)  Lee  J.  Rountree,  Tom  B. 
Lusk. 

Printing  Committee — Sam  P.  Harben,  S.  D.  Chestnutt,  H. 
A.  McDougal,  O.  P.  Gresham,  W.  E.  Gilliland. 

Legislative  Committee — G.  H.  Boynton,  William  P.  Hob- 
by, A.  R.  McCollum,  W.  A.  Johnson,  R.  F.  Gates,  John  E. 
Davis,  E.  P.  Haney,  C.  W.  Boner. 

Program  Committee — F.  B.  Baillio,  W.  C.  Edwards,  Sam 
C.  Holloway,  Henry  Edwards,  J.  H.  Lowry,  R.  E.  Yantis,  Sam 
M.  Braswell. 

Memorial  Committee — L.  J.  Rountree,  John  E.  Cooke, 
Ashley  Evans,  Frank  Gaston,  N.  P.  Houx. 

Delegates  to  N.  E.  A.— D.  R.  Harris,  Will  H.  Mayes,  T.  B. 
Lusk,  J.  P.  Chambless,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  A.  N.  Justiss,  W.  S. 
Spotts,  Joe  J.  Taylor,  Miss  M.  E.  Neal,  W.  L.  West,  A.  H. 
Luker,  C.  L.  Phillips,  Robt.  L.  Baldridge,  Edward  L.  Manson, 
R.  W.  Barry,  Wm.  A.  Bowen,  W.  J.  Buie,  W.  W.  Thornton, 
J.  A.  Thomas,  H.  P.  Nelson,  C.  W:  Wilson,  J.  E.  H.  Railey,  R. 
M.  Thompson,  G.  E.  Watford,  Cyrus  Coleman,  Will  W.  Price, 
Grade  Galloway,  J.  A.  Proske,  N.  T.  Blackwell. 

Mineral  Wells,  Marlin,  Austin,  El  Paso,  Fort  Worth  and 
Texarkana  were  candidates  for  the  next  place  of  meeting  and 
each  city  had  eloquent  advocates  in  its  behalf.  El  Paso  was 
triumphant. 

The  formal  program,  as  revealed  by  the  papers  publish- 
ed in  the  Minutes  of  the  session,  follows : 

Address  of  Welcome 

Hon.  Roy  Miller,  Mayor  of  Corpus  Christi 

Response  to  Address  of  Welcome Dean  Will  H.  Mayes 

Annual  Address President  D.  R.  Harris 

What  Does  the  Publisher  Owe  to  the 

Advertiser?  Walter  B.  Whitman 

315 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Country  Correspondence  as  an  Aid  to  Circulation 

Building  J.  S.  Daley 

The  Value  of  a  Pretty  Make-Up H.  A.  Gibbs 

Methods  of  Arriving  at  the  Value  of  Newspaper 

Space Sam  M.  Braswell,  Harry  Koch 

How  to  Get  and  Hold  Subscriptions Tom  W.  Perkins 

Legislative  Publicity James  Holt,  Memphis,  Tenn. 

Is  the  Establishment  of  an  Association  Advertising 

Bureau  Practicable? W.  C.  Edwards 

Why  Schools  of  Journalism? Dean  Will  H.  Mayes 

The  Pay-in-Advance  'Subscription  Plan — 

Does  It  Pay? B.  F.  Harigel,  Harve  P.  Nelson 

Should  the  Country  Weekly  Club  With  the  Metropolitan 

Papers? R.  W.  Barry,  J.  E.  Cooke,  M.  W.  Florer 

The  Mechanical  Department R.  C.  Dyer 

Newspaper  Publicity Judge  Hiram  Glass 

Order  and  System  in  a  Country  Print 

Shop Mrs.  Grace  I.  Mitchell 

Members  present  at  the  Corpus  Christi  meeting: 

Ernst  Goethe,  G.  E.  Watford,  W.  G.  Sterett,  Mrs.  Walter  B.  Whitman, 
Walter  B.  Whitman,  Mrs.  E.  M.  Hulbert,  John  E.  Davis,  Mrs.  H.  P.  Nelson. 
T.  E.  Arterberry,  W.  S.  Spotts,  W.  W.  Thornton,  Henry  Miller,  J.  A.  Thomas, 
W.  L.  West,  H.  A.  McDougal,  A.  H.  Luker,  D.  R.  Harris,  Henry  Edwards, 
Geo.  B.  Whitley,  Frank  P.  Holland,  Sr.,  R.  M.  Johnston,  Sam  C.  Holloway,  Sani 
M.  Braswell,  J.  R.  Ransone,  Jr.,  J.  W.  Gay,  R.  A.  Gates,  Claud  Councill,  H.  A. 
Gibbs,  H.  B.  Terrell,  Will  A.  Harris,  John  W.  Stayton,  F.  C.  Thompson,  C.  F. 
t,ehmann,  J.  E.  H.  Railey,  W.  M.  Stanberry,  R.  W.  Barry,  J.  T.  Robison,  Levi 
A.  Dunlap,  J.  F.  Kempton,  Jr.,  J.  L.  Pope,  Cyrus  Coleman,  L.  P.  Henslee, 
Frank  W.  Thomason,  Homer  D.  Wade,  D.  O.  Bell,  C.  W.  Boner,  J.  A.  Proske, 
J.  L.  McCaleb,  O.  C.  Harrison,  W.  P.  Hobby,  Louis  J.  Wortham,  C.  N. 
Ousley,  M.  W.  Florer,  B.  F.  Harigel,  Alf  B.  Schroeter,  W.  L.  Dubose,  C.  M. 
Carpenter,  Sain  Fore,  Jr.,  H.  E.  Faubion,  John  F.  Lubben,  Bruce  W.  McCarty, 
A.  N.  Justiss,  Frank  W.  White,  W.  J.  Yates,  Ed  Satterwhite,  Frank  Gaston, 
Monroe  Drew,  L.  H.  Bridges,  Mrs.  Grace  I.  Mitchell,  R.  M.  Hudson,  S.  D. 
Chestnutt,  W.  A.  Smith,  R.  E.  Zieske,  Sam  P.  Harben,  C.  M.  Evans,  Jeff  McLe- 
more,  Geo.  H.  Atkins,  C.  F.  Tyron,  W.  N.  Beard,  H.  L.  McKnight,  Fred  M. 
Herndon,  A.  H.  Willbern,  T.  A.  'Buckner,  J.  Claude  Wells,  M.  C.  Wilkes,  Will 
M.  Price,  R.  T.  Craig,  Grade  Galloway,  G.  W.  Nou,  Chas.  R.  Devall,  S.  W. 
Adams,  Robt.  L,  Baldridge,  M.  D.  Townley,  C.  L.  Phillips,  Andrew  Folsom, 
Isadore  Moritz.  Edward  L.  Manson,  Frank  McElreath,  C.  M.  Nichols,  V.  M. 
Loring,  L.  T.  .Hoyt,  George  Waverly  Briggs,  G.  L.  Carnes,  R.  V.  Holland,  Hal 
H.  Sevier,  James  C.  White,  J.  P.  Simpson,  Jr.,  M.  M.  McFarland,  J.  C.  Florea, 
Mrs.  E.  Gertrude  Gibbs,  Fred  L.  Massengill,  C.  W.  W'ilson,  W.  E.  Cooke. 

316 


PART  III 


A  History  of  Early  Texas  Newspapers,  An 

Essay  Prepared  and  Read  by  the  Late 

Judge    A.   B.   Norton    Before  the 

Texas  Press  Association  at  its 

Annual  Convention  held 

in  San  Antonio,  in 

May,    1886. 


HISTORY  OF  JOURNALISM  IN  TEXAS. 
By  A.  B.  Norton. 


The  following  essay,  read  by  the  late  Judge  A.  B.  Norton 
before  the  Texas  Press  Association,  at  its  annual  convention 
held  in  the  city  of  San  Antonio,  May,  1886,  is  deemed  of 
sufficient  interest  to  justify  its  reproduction.  He  says: 

To  write  up  the  history  of  journalism  in  this  country,  and 
the  more  particular  history  of  newspapers  of  Texas,  is  the 
duty  assigned  me  by  this  Association. 

Broad  is  the  field  and  very  prolific,  yet  requiring  much 
of  labor  and  research  on  the  part  of  the  gatherer  and  gleaner. 
The  history  of  the  country  may  be  said  to  be  almost  entirely 
embraced  in  its  journalism ;  by  tradition  and  through  the 
newspapers  we  learn  it  all.  Of  the  country  at  large  we  will 
say  but  little  in  our  discourse,  because  we  feel  that  the  empire 
of  Texas  requires  our  more  immediate  attention.  In  this 
semi-centennial  year  of  Texas  Independence  it  is  meet  and 
proper  that  a  review  and  history  of  our  journalism  should  be 
made  to  a  Texas  Press  Association. 

Sixty-seven  years  have  passed  since  the  printing  press 
made  its  appearance  in  Texas ;  and  fifty-seven  have  gone  by 
since  the  first  issue  of  a  newspaper  in  the  territory  embraced 
in  the  limits  of  our  State. 

The  first  printing  press  and  office  was  established  at 
Nacogdoches  for  the  purpose  of  publishing  pronunciamentos, 
circulars,  orders  and  documents  of  an  official  character  when 
this  was  a  province  of  Mexico.  There  had  been  for  some 
time  a  printing  office  at  Natchitoches,  Louisiana,  and  that 
was  the  nearest  one. 

At  San  Felipe  de  Austin,  about  fifteen  miles  southeast  of 
where  the  flourishing  town  of  Bellville  stands,  was  placed 

318 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

the  second  printing  press.  That  section  of  country  bearing 
the  name  of  Austin  county  was  made  the  center  of  the  great 
colonizer,  Stephen  F.  Austin,  in  1821,  and  hither  came  the 
early  pioneers  of  our  civilization.  The  name  of  San  Felipe 
de  Austin  was  conferred  upon  the  headquarters ;  Stephen  F. 
Austin  was  commissioned  political  chief,  and  here  a  land 
office  was  opened  and  titles  issued  to  the  colonists — among 
whom  were  the  Bordens,  Robbinses,  Shipmans,  Prators, 
Abner  Kuykendall  and  sons,  the  Cummingses,  Lakeys,  Pet- 
tuses,  Whites,  Parkers,  Leagues,  Oliver  Jones,  Isam  Belcher, 
Dave  Talley,  Kennedy  and  others.  Each  family  received 
a  square  league  (4,427  acres)  for  pasturage  and  a  labor  (177 
acres)  for  cultivation.  The  land  office  was  well  conducted 
and  the  surveys  of  1824  were  so  correctly  made  that,  it  has 
been  said,  there  has  been  no  difficulty  since  in  finding  the 
surveys  from  the  directions  in  the  titles.  To  these  hardy 
pioneers  life  was  in  the  rough  and  they  lived  in  the  rugged 
simplicity  of  nature,  not  exactly  subsisting  on  the  John  the 
Baptist  diet  of  locusts  and  wild  honey,  but  their  main 
dependence  was  upon  the  wild  deer  for  clothing  and  for  pro- 
visions— a  fat  deer  for  meat  and  a  poor  one  for  bread.  The 
dearest  object  of  all  on  the  earth  to  the  early  Austin  colonists 
was  the  deer.  They  had  traveled  in  wagons  over  rough  and 
rugged  roads  in  a  journey  of  months  and  carrying  only 
scanty  supplies  and  but  few  implements  and  to  the  unerring 
rifle  they  looked  for  the  provisions.  The  soil  was  in  the 
freshness  and  beauty  of  virginity,  unfurrowed  and  untouched 
by  man. 

The  hostile  Indians  were  around  the  colonists,  restricting 
their  hunting,  and  at  times  there  was  much  suffering.  One 
of  the  hunters  of  the  families  has  left  on  record  that  the 
children  used  to  run  to  meet  him  when  he  returned  from  the 
chase  and  that  the  circumstance  which  most  tried  his  feelings 
in  his  life  was  the  looks  of  the  children  when  the  meat  was 
exhausted  and  he  failed  to  bring  any. 

319 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

The  first  manufacturing  started  was  dressing  buckskins 
for  clothes.  The  first  importation  was  by  some  of  the  colon- 
ists, from  Matamoras,  Mexico,  of  seed  corn  on  pack  mules. 

The  first  horse  thieves  were  Indians  of  the  Tonkawa 
tribe,  who  in  the  summer  of  1823  stole  from  a  settler  on 
the  Brazos,  below  the  La  Bahia  road,  his  horses.  They 
were  pursued  to  the  camp  of  the  Tonkawa  tribe,  fifty  miles 
down  the  river,  when  the  horses  were  found  and  delivered 
up  and  the  tribe,  who  were  friendly  to  the  whites,  handed 
the  thieves  over  to  them  and  they  were  tried  and  flogged 
before  them  all ;  and  there  was  no  further  stealing  from  the 
settlers  by  any  of  that  tribe.  Soon  after,  the  Waco  Indians, 
who  were  a  villianous  tribe,  stole  all  their  horses  and  escaped 
with  them  across  the  Yegua  river.  With  the  Carankawa 
Indians  on  the  Colorado  river,  there  was  some  fighting  in 
1823. 

In  1824  a  Mexican  horse  drover  was  robbed  and  wounded 
by  a  party  of  his  countrymen  on  the  Atascasito  road,  a  few 
miles  west  of  the  Colorado.  The  wounded  drover,  escaping, 
gave  notice  to  the  settlers  who  followed  and  overtook  some 
of  the  robbers  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Brazos  river,  at  a 
point  opposite  Groce's,  and,  after  killing  them,  put  their  heads 
on  poles  by  the  roadside,  as  was  the  custom  in  the  United 
States  at  that  time  in  punishing  highwaymen — and  they 
served  as  mile  posts  in  the  early  days  to  deter  wrong  doers. 

The  first  office  in  Nacogdoches,  in  July,  1819,  was  under 
the  editorial  management  of  Horatio  Bigelow,  an  adventurer 
from  Massachusetts.  In  addition  to  publications  for  the 
authorities,  it  is  asserted  by  some  whom  we  have  met  that 
there  was  a  sheet  with  the  news  at  times  issued  at  this  office, 
but  no  copies  are  in  existence. 

From  the  second  press,  that  at  San  Felipe,  there  was 
issued  in  1829,  a  newspaper  (The  first  issue  was  dated  Sep- 
tember 29,  1829,  and  it  was  published  until  July  1832),  bear- 
ing the  appropriate  name  of  "The  Cotton  Plant,"  and  of  which 

320 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Godwin  B.  Gotten  was  editor  and  proprietor.  Gotten  pub- 
lished at  this  office  a  small  pamphlet  history  of  Texas  in 
1829. 

In  January,  1831,  "The  Gazette  of  Texas"  was  published 
on  this  press,  and  after  a  few  numbers  its  name  was  changed 
to  "Mexican  Nation"  by  Father  Michael  Muldoon,  who  had, 
in  1830,  made  his  advent  from  Mexico  to  live  here  "in  high 
clover."  Under  the  Mexican  law,  marriages  could  only  be 
solemnized  by  a  Catholic  priest.  There  was  none  in  the 
colony,  but,  nevertheless,  men  and  women  "jined  together," 
signing  a  bond  in  presence  of  a  magistrate  under  a  penalty  of 
$10,000  to  be  man  and  wife;  and,  to  obviate  clerical  objec- 
tions, the  church  ceremonies  were  to  be  performed  when  the 
priest  "hove  in  sight."  It  will  be  noted  that  liberality  prevail- 
ed, and  although  there  was  not  a  sou  in  the  colony  they  gave 
bonds  quickly  for  $10,000  when  necessary.  An  old  citizen 
writes  of  Michael,  "he  was  a  kind-hearted,  liberal-minded  old 
gentleman,  who  did  everything  he  could  for  the  colony  and 
nothing  against  it.  He  baptized  everybody,  performed  the 
marriage  ceremony  for  all  who  wished  to  get  married,  took 
his  pay  in  cattle,  the  legal  tender  of  that  day,  and  drank  his 
wine  merrily.  He  wrote  for  the  little  newspaper  many  humor- 
ous and  entertaining  articles,  both  in  prose  and  verse.  He  is 
kindly  remembered  by  all  who  knew  him."  The  chairman  of 
our  committee  of  arrangements  at  San  Antonio,  General  H. 
B.  Andrews,  was  one  of  the  youths  baptized  by  the  good 
Father,  and  speaks  well  of  him.  Let  us,  too,  cherish  the 
memory  of  him,  for  he  did  square  work  in  those  early  days. 

Among  the  number  of  talented  and  ambitious  men  who 
put  in  an  appearance  at  that  time  were  David  G.  Burnet, 
the  brothers,  W.  H.  and  Patrick  C.  Jack,  Jack  A.  and  W.  H. 
Wharton,  R.  M.  Williamson,  W.  B.  Travis,  Ira  R.  Lewis, 
Thomas  J.  Chambers,  Mosely  Baker,  Gail  Borden  and  others 
who  made  our  history.  John  W.  Kenny  with  his  family 
arrived  in  November  1833,  and  built  his  cabin  where  the  town 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

of   Washington   was   afterward   built.     For   thirty   years   he 
lived  there — until  his  death. 

When  San  Felipe  was  burned,  the  town  went  down.  The 
government  officers  then,  for  the  want  of  houses,  went  to 
Columbus  and  transacted  public  business  there.  San  Felipe, 
or  St.  Phillip,  was  in  part  rebuilt  and  was  the  county  seat  of 
Austin  County  till  1847.  I*1  the  public  records  the  place  is 
styled  the  town  of  Austin,  until  the  new  capital  of  the  Re- 
public was  located  on  the  Colorado  when  the  name,  together 
with  the  title  and  honors  of  the  capital,  were  removed  to  that 
city.  The  Congress  of  1836  established  precincts,  nearly  cor- 
responding to  the  counties  subsequently  formed.  There  were 
two  associate  judges :  Thomas  Barnet  and  Robert  Kleberg. 
R.  M.  Williamson,  "Three  Legged  Willie,"  was  the  first  judge 
of  the  district  court  which  met  in  1837;  Judge  Benjamin  C. 
Franklin  succeeded  in  1838. 

San  Felipe,  with  the  exception  of  Nacogdoches  and  the  old 
Missions  below  San  Antonio,  is  the  oldest  town  in  Texas.  It 
was  founded  by  Stephen  F.  Austin,  and  chartered  by  the 
Mexican  government  in  1824,  and  was  incorporated  under 
the  name  of  San  Felipe  de  Austin.  The  charter  granted  by 
the  Mexican  government  embraced  five  leagues  of  land, 
extending  from  the  Brazos  river  to  the  San  Bernard,  a  dis- 
tance of  ten  miles.  Before  the  Revolution,  the  town  proper 
contained  about  300  acres.  It  was  the  principal  trading 
point  in  the  State  and  contained  several  thousand  inhabi- 
tants. During  the  struggle  for  liberty,  it  was  for  a  time 
the  seat  of  government ;  and  the  first  congress  of  the  Repub- 
lic convened  at  San  Felipe.  During  the  year  1834,  General 
Houston,  for  the  safety  of  his  army  as  he  believed,  ordered 
the  destruction  of  the  town,  and  it  was  entirely  destroyed. 
After  the  Independence  of  Texas  was  accomplished,  the  town 
was  again  incorporated  and  the  incorporation  has  been  kept 
alive  by  annual  election  of  officers ;  yet  its  glory  has  depart- 
ed;  and  only  in  name  and  tradition  does  its  greatness  and 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

fame  linger  in  the  memory  of  the  oldest  inhabitant,  who 
transmits  to  the  younger  generation  the  salient  points  in  its 
history. 

The  next  paper  in  Texas  was  "The  Constitutional  Advo- 
cate and  Texas  Public  Advertiser,"  published  in  Brazoria  by 
D.  W.  Anthony,  editor  and  proprietor,  from  January  1st,  to 
July  i6th,  1833.  D.  W.  Anthony  was  from  the  North,  a 
lawyer  and  man  of  genius.  He  died  at  his  post  of  cholera  in 
1833,  and  the  paper  ceased  to  be  issued.  Brazoria  was  a 
pretentious  seaport  town.  The  schooner,  "Wild  Cat,"  was 
its  main  dependence  for  regular  connection  with  the  outside 
world,  by  which  it  received  letters  and  papers  from  New 
Orleans  in  from  one  to  two  weeks,  and  New  York's  latest 
dates  in  three  or  four  weeks.  Mrs.  Jane  H.  Long,  the  ac- 
complished widow  of  General  Long,  kept  the  principal  hotel, 
whereat  lawyers,  doctors,  et  al.,  did  congregate  with  much 
regularity  three  times  a  day.  The  town  of  Velasco  was 
noticed  in  the  January  ist  number  as  having  been  attractively 
laid  out ;  and  we  may  add  it  has  been  pretty  much  laid  out 
ever  since !  Increased  mail  facilities  are  promised,  a  steam- 
boat has  been  purchased  for  the  Brazos  upper  river  naviga- 
tion, stages  are  to  be  run  between  Brazoria  and  San  Felipe, 
etc.  The  building  of  a  monument  to  the  memory  of  those 
who  fell  the  preceding  year  in  the  battle  of  Velasco  is  advo- 
cated. That  was  fought  by  the  people  under  Captain  John 
Austin,  who  attacked  and  captured  Fort  Velasco  which  was 
commanded  by  Colonel  Ugartechea.  Three  cases  of  cholera 
in  Brazoria  are  reported  in  the  number  of  February  16,  all  in 
one  family,  just  arrived ;  and  in  a  card,  Drs.  C.  G.  Cox  and 
T.  F.  L.  Parrott  give  it  as  their  opinion  that  the  disease  is 
not  contagious.  This  is  the  first  cholera  visitation  the  papers 
of  Texas  record.  Wm.  H.  Wharton  issued  proposals  for  the 
publication  of  a  newspaper  in  Brazoria,  to  be  called  "The 
Voice  of  the  People."  Hence,  it  is  surmised,  came  the  name 
of  Judge  A.  P.  Thompson's  paper  in  1837,  in  Houston. 

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HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

In  May  1833  the  lower  Brazos  river  was  higher  than 
ever  known  before  or  since  by  four  feet,  and  until  the  23rd 
of  June  crops  were  submerged ;  and  that  summer  and  fall 
there  was  much  destitution  and  suffering.  The  people  had  to 
live  almost  entirely  on  "jerked"  beef  till  the  crops  of  1834. 

In  January,  1835,  a  paper  was  published  at  Brazoria  styled 
"The  Texas  Republican"  by  F.  C.  Gray,  who  was  from  New 
York,  on  the  old  press  of  Gotten,  and  it  was  the  only  paper  in 
Texas,  and  continued  to  be  published  until  August,  1836, 
when  the  press  and  material  is  believed  to  have  been  disposed 
of  and  subsequently  used  by  Leger  and  Thompson  in  their 
office.  Gray  was  a  singular  character,  and  a  man  of  spright- 
liness.  His  wife  was  a  very  cunning,  shrewd  woman  and 
she  was  charged  with  an  intrigue  to  get  Santa  Anna  out  of 
the  country.  He  became  under  suspicion  and  pulled  up  and 
moved  to  California  and  became  very  wealthy.  Subsequently, 
he  went  back  to  New  York  and  committed  suicide. 

The  next  paper  was  started  by  Gail  and  Thomas  H.  Bor- 
den  and  Joseph  Baker  at  San  Felipe.  This  was  called  "The 
Texas  Telegraph  and  Land  Gazette,"  and  it  was  the  fore- 
runner of  the  "Telegraph,"  of  long  continuance  in  Texas. 
It  was  started  in  August,  1835,  and  when  the  people  of  the 
locality  were  driven  from  their  homes  by  the  Mexicans,  in 
April,  1836,  the  press  was  carried  to  Harrisburg,  where  the 
government  made  a  stand.  As  the  twenty-second  number  of 
the  paper  was  about  being  issued,  the  forms  having  been 
made  up,  proof  corrected,  and  six  copies  only  had  been  work- 
ed off  when  the  Mexican  forces  appeared,  the  citizens  were 
driven  before  them  and  the  press  and  type  were  seized  and 
the  whole  material  thrown  by  the  Mexicans  into  Bray's 
Bayou.  Our  informant  was  one  of  the  persons  so  fortunate 
as  to  receive  one  of  the  six  copies  that  had  been  struck  off.  It 
was  then  published  in  quarto  form  and  made  a  very  neat 
appearance.  Harrisburg  was  then  the  seat  of  government, 
as  everything  had  been  moved  from  Washington  after  the 

324 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

convention  that  declared  Texas  Independence  had  in  hot  haste 
adjourned  and  officials  had  gone  to  Groce's  and  thence  to 
Harrisburg. 

Matagorda  became  a  place  of  much  prominence  in  early 
Texas  days,  and  there,  in  1835,  a  paper  was  established  by 
Simon  Mussina  and  published  for  about  three  years.  We  had 
the  promise  of  a  number  of  this  old  paper,  but  upon  search 
our  friend  reports  he  "found  it  missing."  Mussina  is  a  well- 
educated,  intelligent,  public-spirited  gentleman  of  cultivated 
taste,  who  is  now  enjoying  his  "otium  cum  dignitate"  as  a 
private  citizen  at  Austin,  and  is  an  exception  to  our  news- 
paper men  of  the  past,  having  a  competency  of  this  world's 
goods. 

In  August,  1836,  the  Bordens  had  bought  a  new  press 
and  material  at  New  Orleans;  and  they  established  it  at 
Columbia  and  subsequently  moved  it  to  Houston.  "The  Tele- 
graph," as  revived,  was  run  by  Gail  and  Thomas  H.  Borden 
(Baker  having  disposed  of  his  interest  to  them),  and  was 
published  at  Houston.  Subsequently,  the  Bordens  sold  out 
to  J.  W.  Cruger  and  Francis  Moore,  soldiers,  who  had  come 
from  Ohio  as  members  of  The  Buckeye  Rangers,  commanded 
by  Captain  J.  C.  Allen,  in  1836. 

In  the  latter  part  of  18.77  a  paper  was  published  in  Bra- 
zoria,  called  "The  Texas  Planter,"  by  Theodore  Leger  and 
A.  P.  Thompson.  Leger  was  a  finely  educated  Frenchman 
who  had  been  driven  from  France  on  account  of  his  political 
views.  He  spoke  English  indifferently,  but  was  a  good  writer 
and  much  of  a  gentleman.  Thompson  was  an  Englishman 
who  came  to  Texas  as  a  member  of  Moorehouse's  New  York 
Battalion,  of  which  Major  Charles  DeMorse  was  also  a  mem- 
ber. The  motto  of  the  paper  was  "Vox  Populi,  Vox  Dei," 
and  the  citizens  then  called  Thompson  "Vox  Populi,"  and 
Leger  "Vox  Dei."  This  paper  was  published  for  about  one 
year.  It  was  spicy  and  vigorous.  Thompson  was  at  the  time 
very  dissipated,  but  he  was  a  man  of  great  ability  as  a  writer 

325 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

and  was  much  beloved.    He  lived  in  Galveston,  and  died  there 
lamented  by  old  friends. 

About  this  time,  a  new  city  sprang  into  existence  and  upon 
its  advent  it  was  heralded  to  the  world  by  a  paper,  the  largest, 
handsomest,  and  ablest  in  Texas.  And  as  time  has  rubbed 
his  effacing  finger  roughly  over  the  place  and  all  its  con- 
nections, it  will  not  be  inappropriate  to  relate  the  history 
of  San  Luis  City  with  the  San  Luis  Advocate.  West  of  Gal- 
veston, in  the  water  there  is  a  little  speck  upon  the  map,  ap- 
parently not  larger  than  a  man's  hand ;  nevertheless,  an 
island  about  one  mile  square  called  San  Luis.  On  the  north- 
ern point  of  this  island  was  once  a  city,  as  loud  with  the  busy 
hum  of  life,  and  as  full  of  hope  as  many  another  place  has 
been.  It  started  out  in  its  early  youth  with  a  printing  press, 
a  cotton  press,  a  steamboat — all  belonging  to  its  proprietors ; 
and  vessels  freighted  with  cotton  and  merchandise  rode  the 
waters,  bearing  their  pennants  proudly  on  the  waves.  Tod 
Robinson,  Matthew  Hopkins,  F.  A.  Sawyer,  W.  B.  P.  Gaines, 
Ferdinand  Pinkard,  James  Love,  James  R.  Jennings,  James 
F.  Perry,  Wm.  H.  Jack,  Judge  J.  R.  Morris,  J.  Templeton 
Doswell,  and  others,  united  together  and  purchased  of  Perry, 
agent  of  Austin,  the  whole  peninsula,  estimated  at  about  a 
league  of  land,  bought  a  steamboat,  a  staunch  craft  called 
"The  Constitution,"  which  for  some  years  plied  in  the  waters 
of  the  Colorado  and  Brazos,  erected  a  cotton  press  and  pur- 
chased a  printing  press.  Tod  Robinson  and  Matthew  Hop- 
kins were  the  principal  editors  and  managers  and  Samuel  J. 
Burnett  the  publisher  of  the  paper,  which  they  conducted 
with  signal  ability  for  about  two  years,  adding  much  to  the 
prosperity  and  growth  of  the  city.  During  this  time,  forty 
houses  were  erected  in  San  Luis ;  it  had  its  commission  and 
forwarding  merchant,  in  the  person  of  Mr.  Andrews,  and  two 
stores  whereat  goods  were  sold  by  Mr.  Hopkins  and  Mr. 
Woodhull.  The  enterprising  men  above  named  at  this  city 
projected  the  first  bridge  of  length  and  the  first  canal  in 

326 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Texas.  Mr.  Hopkins  superintended  the  building  of  a  bridge, 
from  San  Luis  to  the  main  land,  1320  feet,  contracting  for  the 
plank  from  Angus  McNeill,  who  then  had  a  mill  at  Houston. 
The  canal  was  undertaken  to  connect  San  Luis  Bay  with 
Qyster  Creek  and  the  Brazos  river,  and  Oyster  Creek  was  to 
be  used  as  a  feeder.  Something  less  than  a  mile  was  to  be 
cut  for  this  purpose.  At  the  time  this  city  was  under  full 
headway  it  was  believed  by  many  that  it  would  eclipse  Gal- 
veston.  But,  as  with  all  great  enterprises,  before  Congres- 
sional subsidies,  Credit  Mobiliers  and  Back  Pay  ways  of 
"raising  the  wind"  were  known,  failure  ensued  for  want  of 
money.  It  is  worthy  of  note,  however,  that  San  Luis  had  in 
early  times  a  high  reputation  as  a  harbor.  Commodore  Anya, 
an  old  Mexican  commodore,  told  Mr.  Hopkins  and  others  at 
Houston,  that  during  the  Mexican  and  Spanish  war  he  was 
with  a  fleet  of  vessels  that  took  refuge  in  that  harbor,  and  that 
they  were  safely  there  for  two  or  three  weeks,  and  that  there 
was  then  about  sixteen  feet  of  water  on  the  bar  and  he  be- 
lieved San  Luis  to  be  a  better  harbor  than  Galveston.  The 
shipment  of  cotton  reached  about  5,000  bales.  In  1841  there 
was  more  cotton  shipped  at  San  Luis  than  at  Galveston. 
But  San  Luis,  with  its  great  expectations,  has  passed  away, 
and  there  is  not  a  house  to  mark  the  spot,  not  a  plank,  or  a 
stone  to  tell  that  it  was  once  a  part  of  that  city.  The  build- 
ings and  materials  generally  were  moved  to  its  rival  city.  Its 
60  to~ioo  votes  have  died  or  gone  to  other  parts.  Of  all  its 
proprietors,  the  only  ones  now  living  are  Ferdinand  Pinkard 
and  J.  Templeton  Dbswell  now  in  New  Orleans.  Matthew 
Hopkins,  the  old  clerk  of  the  United  States  District  Court  at 
Austin,  who  died  recently,  was  one  of  the  number.  Mr.  Hop- 
kins was  born  in  the  city  of  New  York  in  1808,  emigrated 
to  Montgomery,  Alabama,  and  from  thence  to  Galveston  in 
October,  1838.  Tod  Robinson  was  a  distinguished  lawyer,  a 
finished  scholar,  and  one  of  the  best  writers  Texas  has  had. 
For  two  seasons  he  served  in  the  House  of  Representatives  of 

327 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Texas.  He  followed  his  brother-in-law,  A.  P.  Crittenden, 
who  had  moved  to  California  in  1850  or  1851.  Robinson  soon 
acquired  a  high  standing  in  the  profession  of  the  law  and  was, 
I  believe,  one  of  the  Supreme  Judges  of  that  State  at  the  time 
of  his  death. 

In  1838  a  man  by  the  name  of  Warren  J.  Niles  published 
a  paper  in  Houston  of  which  no  copy  can  be  found ;  and  yet  it 
is  said  to  have  been  very  ably  conducted. 

At  Velasco,  in  1838,  the  hopes  of  many  prominent  men 
were  clustered,  and  it  was  a  center  of  great  thoughts  and 
expectations.  The  following  specimen  of  job  work  of  that 
period  is  presented,  also  copies  of  early  papers  for  your 
inspection,  and  I  believe  that  in  typographical  execution,  neat- 
ness and  finish  they  are  not  surpassed  in  these  days.  (Here 
follows  a  reproduction  of  an  invitation  to  a  Fourth  of  July 
dinner  and  ball  to  be  given  at  the  Archer  House  in  the  city  of 
Velasco  on  July  4,  1838,  and  signed  by  Thos.  J.  Green  as  presi- 
dent of  the  Velasco  Association.  The  printing  was  by  the 
Telegraph  Press,  Houston.) 

The  first  paper  at  Galveston  was  "The  Galveston  Times," 
edited,  published  and  owned  by  Ferdinand  Pinkard,  now  resid- 
ing at  New  Orleans.  He  was  an  intelligent,  social  gentleman 
of  good  business  habits  and  greatly  esteemed.  His  paper 
showed  the  very  "age  and  body  of  the  times." 

"The  Galveston  Civilian"  was  established  on  the  8th  of 
May,  1838,  by  Hamilton  Stuart.  During  the  intervening  years 
it  has  had  its  vicissitudes  as  usual  to  journals.  But  very  few 
changes  were  made  as  to  conduct  or  management  during  the 
most  eventful  years  of  our  his'ory.  Hamilton  Stuart  was  its 
controlling  spirit.  A  native  of  Kentucky,  by  nature  con- 
servative, the  paper  was  throughout  his  connection  with  it  an 
advocate  of  law  and  order  and  good  movement. 

"The  Matagorda  Gazette"  succeeded  Mussina's  paper  and 
was  edited  and  published  by  J.  W.  Dallam,  widely  known  as 
the  author  of  Dallam's  Digest.  Dallam  was  a  lawyer  of  abil- 

328 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

ity,  a  fine  writer,  and  much  liked.  He  died,  and  his  widow, 
who  was  a  daughter  of  S.  Rhoads  Fisher,  married  the  Honor- 
able Jno.  W.  Harris  and  is  now  residing  in  Galveston.  Dugald 
McFarland  afterwards  edited  the  paper.  He  had  been  a  sol- 
dier in  the  army  and  immigrated  from  Alabama.  He  died 
many  years  ago.  The  influence  of  the  press  helped  Matagorda 
materially.  It  had  at  the  time  a  population  ranging  from  800 
to  1,000. 

In  1839  a  paper  was  started  at  Richmond  on  the  Brazos 
called  "The  Gazette,"  of  which  Robert  Eden  Handy,  one  of 
General  Houston's  volunteer  aids  at  San  Jacinto,  was  editor. 
Handy  was  one  of  the  founders  of  Richmond.  He  was  a 
native  of  New  York  and  a  gentleman  of  culture  and  refine- 
ment. Richmond  was  laid  off  in  the  spring  of  1837  by  Handy 
and  Lusk,  who  owned  the  press.  The  latter  was  a  native  of 
Enfield,  Connecticut,  and  was  born  and  brought  up  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Ex-Governor  E.  M.  Pease.  In  attempting  to 
cross  the  Navidad  in  1841,  when  the  river  was  high,  he  was 
drowned.  Richmond  had  at  the  termination  of  the  paper  a 
population  of  300  or  400,  and  was  regarded  as  one  of  the 
most  promising  towns  of  the  State. 

"The  National  Intelligencer"  was  a  large  and  ably  con- 
ducted newspaper  published  by  Major  Samuel  Whiting  in 
Houston,  1838-39.  Henry  W.  Jewett,  who  was  educated  at 
Cambridge,  Massachusetts,  was  a  ripe  scholar  and  was  for  a 
time  its  editor.  He  was  for  a  time  private  secretary  to 
President  Lamar,  was  afterwards  a  senator  and  Judge  of  the 
District  Court,  residing  in  Leon  County.  The  old  citizens 
recognized  in  him  an  able  lawyer  and  a  most  worthy  man. 

"The  National  Banner"  was,  about  the  same  period,  pub- 
lished in  Houston.  A  gentleman  named  Smith,  Wm.  Jeff 
Jones  (afterwards  a  District  Judge  and  of  Galveston  county), 
and  Major  George  W.  Bonnell,  were  each  for  a  time,  editor  of 
"The  National  Banner."  But  we  have  not  been  able  to  learn 
the  dates  at  which  they  were  respectively  attached. 

329 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Captain  John  N.  O.  Smith,  a  first-class  printer  and  man 
of  talent,  was  long  connected  with  the  Houston  press.  In 
1842  he  was  captain  of  the  Houston  company  in  the  Somer- 
ville  Expedition. 

At  Washington  on  the  Brazos,  shortly  after  Houston 
established  the  seat  of  Government  there,  at  least  from  the  fall 
of  1842  till  after  annexation,  a  paper  was  published  called 
"The  Vindicator"  and  edited  by  "Ramrod"  Johnson,  or  Thom- 
as J.  Johnson,  who  resided  for  some  time  at  Washington  and 
LaGrange.  He  had  been  a  schoolmaster  in  Kentucky,  came 
to  Texas,  became  a  lawyer,  and  for  a  time  was  Judge.  He 
was  a  writer  of  pungency  and  force. 

At  LaGrange  was  a  paper  called  "The  LaGrange  Intelli- 
gencer," gotten  up  by  a  Mr.  Bradburn,  a  practical  printer.  It 
was  subsequently  published  by  Mr.  McLellan  and  edited  by 
S.  S.  B.  Fields,  who  from  his  remarkable  puffing  capacity  as 
well  as  his  initials  was  called  "Steamboat  Fields."  •  It  contin- 
ued till  1845  or  '4-6,  when  Fields  moved  to  Austin  where  he 
died  in  April,  1846.  This  paper  was  continued  with  consider- 
able ability,  and  its  main  feature  was  its  denunciation  of 
General  Houston  for  his  removal  of  the  seat  of  government, 
etc. 

In  the  fall  of  1839  "The  Austin  Gazette"  was  started  by 
Samuel  Whiting,  publisher,  with  George  A.  Teulon  as  editor 
and  Joel  Miner  as  foreman.  Whiting  was  from  Hartford,  Con- 
necticut, and  had  been  for  some  years  in  Texas.  Teulon  was  a 
well  educated  and  very  eccentric  Englishman.  Teulon  went 
to  the  West  Indies,  and  is  reported  to  have  died  afterwards 
in  China.  The  removal  of  the  seat  of  government  broke 
Whiting  up. 

In  January,  1840,  "The  Texas  Centinel"  was  commenced 
at  Austin  by  Jacob  W.  Cruger  and  George  W.  Bonnell. 
Cruger  was  of  the  old  firm  of  Cruger  &  Moore  of  Houston. 
Bonnell  was  a  native  of  Steuben  county,  New  York.  He  had 
at  different  times  edited  papers  in  Selma  and  Mobile,  Ala- 

330 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

bama,  and  at  Aberdeen,  Mississippi.  He  came  to  Texas  as  a 
volunteer  in  1836,  was  Major  commanding  the  Milam  Guards 
and  other  troops  on  the  frontier  in  1838  and  in  1842,  and  went 
with  the  Somerville  Expedition  to  Mexico.  He  was  one  of 
the  guards  over  the  Texas  camp  at  the  battle  of  Mier,  Decem- 
ber 25,  1842,  retreated  with  his  comrades  on  hearing  of  the 
defeat  in  Mier,  was  captured  ten  miles  west  of  the  Rio  Grande, 
carried  back  to  the  river  and  there  murdered.  The  printers  on 
"The  Centinel"  were  Martin  Carroll  Wing,  from  Vermont, 
who  drew  a  black  bean  and  was  shot  by  the  Mexicans  at 
Salado,  Mexico,  in  April,  1843 ;  Joseph  A.  Clark,  late  a  preacher 
in  Hood  county;  William  Clark,  from  Steuben  county,  New 
York ;  and  John  Henry  Brown,  then  a  boy  of  nineteen  or 
twenty,  now  mayor  of  Dallas. 

About  the  year  1840  a  paper  called  "Red  Lander"  made 
its  appearance  at  San  Augustine,  edited  by  Canfield,  which  at 
once  took  a  leading  position  among  journals.  Canfield  sub- 
sequently moved  out  to  the  Nueces  country  and  has  been  lost 
sight  of. 

"The  Texas  Planter"  at  Columbia  was  published  in  1841, 
'42  and  '43  by  Samuel  J.  Durnet,  when  he  moved  the  press 
and  material  to  Galveston  and  merged  his  office  with  Hamil- 
ton Stuart,  and  together  they  published  "The  Civilian"  for 
many  years.  Mathew  Hopkins  was  during  most  of  the  time 
the  editor  of  "The  Planter,"  and  published  a  series  of  able 
articles  on  organization  and  education,  etc.  Here  he  wrote 
and  issued  the  first  serial  novel  ever  published  in  Texas,  under 
the  title,  "Marianna  and  her  Wrongs,"  scene  laid  in  Mexico; 
Cortez  and  his  mistress  were  the  principal  characters.  Its 
numbers  appeared  for  about  a  year,  and  it  has  been  spoken  of 
to  us  as  a  highly  finished  production.  Hopkins  was  a  gentle- 
man of  excellent  education,  and  unexceptionable  character, 
and  a  very  smooth  writer.  He  died  in  Austin,  where  he  had 
resided  for  many  years,  holding  the  position  of  clerk  of  the 
United  States  District  Court. 

331 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

E.  H.  Gushing  for  about  two  years  edited  "The  Planter" 
at  Columbia.  He  was  a  native  of  New  Hampshire,  a  graduate 
of  Dartmouth  College,  and  first  engaged  in  teaching  the  young 
idea  in  old  Brazoria  how  to  shoot.  Entering  into  the  editorial 
line,  he  soon  acquired  a  high  reputation  as  one  of  the  leading 
newspaper  men.  He  gave  to  "The  Houston  Telegraph"  its 
greatest  reputation,  and  made  it  the  leading  Democratic  paper 
in  the  State.  Having  disposed  of  his  establishment  for  some 
$30,000  in  gold,  he  engaged  in  the  book  and  stationery  busi- 
ness at  Houston  until  his  death. 

Returning  to  "The  Telegraph,"  we  will  give  a  brief 
epitome  of  its  history  and  of  incidents  connected  with  the 
paper  and  its  editors  and  publishers.  Gail  and  Thomas  H. 
Borden  were  succeeded  by  Humphreys ;  then  came  Gruger  and 
Moore ;  Harvey  H.  Allen  &  Co.  succeeded  them ;  then  E.  H. 
Gushing,  who  continued  its  publication  until  after  the  War, 
when  he  sold  out  and  C.  C.  Gillespie  became  editor.  J.  G. 
Tracy  for  a  time  was  publisher,  and  then  the  entire  outfit  was 
disposed  of  to  General  J.  W.  Webb.  After  an  interval  of  some 
years  the  office  was  bought  at  sheriff's  sale  by  A.  C.  Gray  & 
Co.,  who  were,  until  its  end,  its  publishers.  While  in  the 
office,  frequently  we  examined  the  old  files  and  received  from 
A.  C.  Gray,  who  learned  his  trade  in  Brazoria,  and  was  regu- 
larly in  the  printing  business  for  many  years,  such  informa- 
tion as  he  could  impart.  "The  Telegraph,"  having  started  at 
Columbia,  had  been  moved  to  Harrisburg,  and  press  and  ma- 
terial were  deposited  by  the  Mexicans  in  what  they  deemed 
the  most  suitable  "banks,"  those  of  Bray's  Bayou.  The  origi- 
nal press,  subsequently  fished  up  out  of  the  Bayou  after  the 
battle  of  San  Jacinto,  is  now  in  Houston,  a  memento  and  per- 
petual reminder  of  the  past.  As  before  stated,  a  new  office  was 
purchased  and  the  paper  was  revived  by  the  Bordens  and 
Baker  at  Houston.  Of  the  Bordens  we  have  heretofore  spoken 
somewhat,  but  will  briefly  itemize  their  subsequent  careers. 
Thomas  was  the  first  commissioner  of  the  general  land  office 

332 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

of  Texas  and  made  a  good  officer.  He  was  a  man  of  much 
inventive  talent,  industry  and  enterprise.  He  lived  his  latter 
years  at  Galveston,  having  a  competency  and  enjoying  the 
respect  and  confidence  of  all  men.  Gail  Borden  served  as  col- 
lector of  the  port  of  Galveston  for  a  time,  and  in  various  posi- 
tions of  life  discharged  the  duties  of  a  good  citizen.  He  exper- 
imented for  a  time  with  the  meat  biscuit,  and  afterwards  suc- 
cessfully engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  Borden's  condensed 
milk  which,  besides  giving  him  a  princely  fortune,  made  his 
name  familiar  as  a  household  word  in  all  countries  and  climes 
where  milk  is  used  and  caused  him  to  be  justly  styled  a  pub- 
lic benefactor.  He  died,  leaving  a  large  fortune  and,  what  was 
better  than  all  else,  a  good  name.  He  was  one  of  the  most 
benevolent,  kind-hearted  gentlemen  we  have  ever  known ;  and 
as  a  man  and  citizen,Texas  may  be  proud  of  his  memory.  His 
family  resides  in  Westchester  county,  New  York,  in  Elgin, 
Illinois,  and  in  Colorado  county,  this  State. 

Joseph  Baker  was  a  native  of  Maine,  immigrating  to  Tex- 
as with  his  brother  in  1831,  and  served  as  a  soldier  in  the 
Revolution.  He  was  well  educated,  taught  school  and  wrote 
for  the  papers.  Locating  in  San  Antonio,  he  was  for  a  long 
time  a  judge,  and  subsequently  a  translator  in  the  land  office. 
He  was  very  social,  fond  of  his  cups,  sang  exceedingly  well, 
and  was  popular  in  early  times.  One  of  his  songs,  which  he 
stepped  off  as  an  overshot  wheel,  was  a  great  favorite.  He 
died  in  Austin  in  May,  1848. 

Humphreys  was  a  man  of  fine  talent  and  is  said  to  have 
been  a  good  printer,  but  not  a  driving,  pushing  newspaper 
man.  He  did  not  long  remain  in  the  business.  In  1838  he  was 
elected  brigade  inspector  of  Morehouse's  brigade,  when  the 
militia  was  designed  to  be  placed  on  a  war  footing.  It  was 
said  that  he  died  in  Houston. 

John  W.  Eldridge,  editor  at  the  same  time,  has  also  passed 
from  view.  J.  W.  Cruger  and  Francis  Moore  were  not  print- 
ers, but  they  took  a  lively  interest  in  the  newspaner  business. 

333 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Dr.  Francis  Moore  published  a  very  useful  book  on  Texas 
for  immigrants,  in  1843,  an<^  designed  getting  out  another 
edition  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  the  North 
about  1866.  His  widow  was  'keeping  a  boarding  house  in 
Brooklyn,  New  York,  and  his  children  residing  with  her  the 
last  known  of  them.  Dr.  Moore  was  for  a  time  State  geologist, 
was  a  man  of  considerable  ability  as  a  writer  and,  above  all, 
of  high  moral  character  and  great  personal  integrity.  "Poor, 
but  honest,"  was  the  remark  usually  coupled  with  the  name 
of  our  old  one-armed  friend,  Francis  Moore.  Cruger  was  also 
a  worthy  man ;  died  without  having  married,  and  his  name  is 
extinct  in  our  land. 

Among  the  amusing  incidents  of  their  newspaper  career 
was  their  having  in  the  office  a  pet  bear  which  was  captured 
while  a  cub  and  kept  as  a  play-fellow  and  as  a  curiosity  to 
show  to  the  strangers  coming  to  the  country.  He  became 
quite  mischievous,  however,  and  very  troublesome  at  times. 
The  water  for  the  office  was  hauled  in  barrels  and  kept  in  the 
office  in  an  open  barrel.  Bruin,  whenever  he  got  loose,  would 
overturn  the  barrel  and  spill  the  water  over  the  floor.  On  one 
occasion,  after  the  paper  had  been  made  up  and  the  printers 
gone  to  their  dinner,  he  got  loose,  concluded  that  he  would  go 
on  with  their  work,  and  accordingly  gathered  up  the  forms  in 
his  strong  embrace  and  carried  them  to  the  press,  where  he 
pied  them,  delaying  that  week's  issue.  This  is  the  first  bear 
we  have  any  account  of  in  a  Texas  printing  office. 

Lancelot  Abbots  was  the  foreman  of  the  paper  at  San  Felipe 
published  by  Borden  and  Baker,  and  also  for  some  years  after 
its  removal.  He  was  a  soldier  in  the  Revolution,  participating 
in  the  battle  of  San  Jacinto,  an  Englishman  by  birth,  a  thor- 
oughly educated  printer,  and  withal  a  gentleman.  Subse- 
quently he  returned  to  England,  where  he  resided  when  last 
heard  from.  He  wrote  much  in  favor  of  immigration  to  Texas 
and  labored  earnestly  in  our  behalf. 

Joel  Miner  was  for  a  considerable  time  a  printer  in  "The 

334 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Telegraph"  office,  and  subsequently  in  the  printing  office  at 
Austin.  He  was  a  native  of  Vermont,  and  first  entered  Texas 
as  a  volunteer  in  1836.  He  had  worked  in  offices  in  New 
York  and  other  Northern  cities  and  in  France,  where  he  ac- 
quired a  knowledge  of  French  and  perfected  himself  as  a 
printer  upon  "Galignani"  and  other  journals. 

"The  Telegraph"  was  edited  in  the  winter  of  1836  and 
spring  of  1837  by  Edward  Britton,  who  was  a  fine  scholar  and 
could  converse  in  English,  French,  Spanish  and  Italian.  The 
Bordens  employed  him  as  a  regular  writer.  He  afterward 
went  to  Mexico,  and  nothing  further  is  known  of  him. 

Harvey  H.  Allen  was  a  native  of  New  York  and  one  of  the 
Allen  family  who  were  the  first  settlers  of  Houston.  He  was 
an  easy,  graceful  writer,  well  educated,  kind  and  genial.  He 
died  in  Houston,  and  his  widow  married  General  Sam  Flour- 
noy  of  Wood  county,  moving  there  with  her  children. 

"The  Northern  Standard"  was  established  at  Clarksville 
in  1842  by  Charles  DeMorse.  Major  DeMorse  came  to  Texas 
as  a  soldier  and  subsequently  settled  down  at  Matagorda. 
While  at  Austin,  as  a  clerk,  some  of  the  Congressmen  from 
the  Red  River  country  induced  him  to  go  to  that  section  and 
start  a  newspaper.  At  Clarksville  he  is  still  editing  and  pub- 
lishing "The  Standard,"  which  has,  with  some  interruptions 
by  the  war  and  in  peace,  kept  steadily  facing  the  breeze — 
"forever  floats  that  standard  sheet." 

About  the  same  time  that  "The  Standard"  was  unfurled 
to  the  Red  River  country,  a  beacon  light  was  seen  upon  Gal- 
veston  Island,  proclaiming  lustily  "The  News."  It  was  the 
twenty-seventh  paper  in  point  of  time  to  appear  in  Texas. 
Wilbur  F.  Cherry  and  B.  F.  Neal  issued  the  first  number  in 
the  fall  of  1842.  Cherry  was  a  hard-working,  industrious 
printer  from  Ohio  and  died  in  1873  in  Galveston,  having  been 
engaged  in  newspaper  and  job  offices  in  Texas  all  the  time 
from  1842,  and  having  experienced  the  usual  tips  and  downs 
of  a  printer's  life.  His  family  resides  in  Galveston.  Neal 

335 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

moved  out  to  the  Nueces  country  where  he  resided  for  many 
years.  Willard  Richardson  bought  into  the  paper  in  1845, 
and  for  a  time  edited  it  in  cog.  He  was  from  about  Cape  Cod, 
Massachusetts.  Dave  Richardson,  from  the  Isle  of  Wight,  or 
Man,  England,  bought  into  the  office  in  1848.  From  that 
time,  with  slight  intermissions,  consequent  upon  rebellion,  that 
able  paper  has  been  published.  The  changes  in  proprietor- 
ship have  been  few.  During  the  War  "The  News,"  for  greater 
safety,  was  moved  to  Houston  and  there  published.  In  the 
fall  of  1865  it  reappeared  in  Galveston,  published  by  W.  Rich- 
ardson, Richardson  &  Co.  Weekly,  at  $5  per  annum ;  tri- 
weekly, $12;  and  daily,  $16;  published  by  Belo  &  Co. 

It  was  difficult  during  the  "late  unpleasantness"  for  paper 
to  be  obtained,  and  "The  Telegraph,"  "News,"  "Intelligencer," 
"Gazette,"  and  some  other  papers  came  down  to  a  specie  basis, 
charging  for  subscriptions  and  advertising  $30  Confederate 
money  to  $i  specie.  The  rate  for  weeklies  was  $120  and  tri- 
weeklies $240  per  annum.  I  have  many  copies  of  papers  print- 
ed on  rice-straw,  wrapping,  and  wall  papers,  which  will  be 
sore  reminders  to  my  great-great  and  everlasting  grand  chil- 
dren of  those  terrible  days  in  newspaper  life. 

The  first  daily  paper  in  Texas  was  styled  "The  Morning 
Star"  and  was  published  by  Cruger  &  Moore  of  "The  Tele- 
graph" from  about  1840  to  '43  or  '44.  D.  H.  Fitch  was  its 
editor.  Fitch  was  an  old  friend  and  neighbor  of  Dr.  Francis 
Moore  of  "The  Telegraph"  in  Steuben  county,  New  York. 

Having  thus  hurriedly  sketched  the  history  of  the  early 
Texas  press,  we  find  it  necessary  from  this  period  to  give 
more  brief  and  condensed  statements  in  regard  to  the  news- 
papers of  Texas  as  they  have  become  numerous  and  the  sub- 
ject has  grown  voluminous  upon  our  hands.  Before  proceed- 
ing, however,  with  the  thread  of  our  discourse  we  must  here 
say  that  the  pioneers  of  the  Texas  Press  were  all  gentlemen 
of  education  and  ability,  were  almost  all  soldiers  of  Liberty 
and  their  respective  papers  were  well  edited  and  printed. 

336 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

There  was  not  a  sorry  man  among  them  all,  nor  was  there  a 
paper  that  would  not  have  done  credit  to  any  old  country. 

The  early  settlers  were  generally  men  of  culture  and  of 
worth,  and  the  conductors  of  newspapers  were  assisted  by  the 
foremost  men  of  the  country.  Oliver  Jones  of  Massachusetts, 
who  had  served  in  the  congress  of  Coahuila  and  Texas,  was  a 
very  able  man ;  as  also,  Joshua  Fletcher  of  New  Hampshire, 
first  treasurer  of  Texas,  who  had  been  a  Santa  Fe  trader; 
Elisha  M.  Pease  from  Connecticut,  governor  of  the  State ; 
James  H.  Raymond,  from  New  York,  since  treasurer  of  the 
State;  Judge  Peter  W.  Gray,  C.  L.  Cleveland,  General  Hugh 
McLeed,  Waddill,  and  many  others  whom  I  might  name, 
contributed  with  their  pens  whatever  they  deemed  would 
prove  of  interest  to  the  paper  or  beneficial  to  the  people  and 
the  country. 

There  were  but  few  bad  men  in  the  country,  and  at  the 
earliest  day  the  brightest  intellects  in  the  land — gentlemen  of 
prominence,  character  and  education — were  connected  with 
the  press  as  editors,  publishers  or  contributors.  Hence,  a 
high  standard  was  attained  and  kept  up  from  the  commence- 
ment ;  public  sentiment  was  educated  to  a  higher  intellectual 
standard  than  is  usual  in  new  countries ;  and  the  most  liberal 
provision  was  made  by  the  Constitution  and  the  laws  of  the 
Republic  and  State  for  education  by  public  free  schools,  and 
by  colleges  and  universities,  for  all  of  which  there  were  from 
the  earliest  period  the  most  liberal  endowments. 


337 


PAPERS  PUBLISHED  IN  EASTERN  TEXAS. 


Under  this  head  we  give  a  list  of  papers  published  in  what 
was  the  old  regime,  the  political  division  of  Texas  into  con- 
gressional districts,  beginning  at  Sabine  Pass  in  the  first  dis- 
trict and  taking  the  various  counties  in  their  order: 

Jefferson  County  had  the  following  papers,  which  were  of  few 
days  and  full  of  trouble — Sabine  Pass  Beacon,  1860,  by  McClanahan 
&  Co.;  Sabine  Pass  Times,  1870,  by  C.  W.  Winn;  Beaumont  Banner; 
Beaumont  News-Beacon,  1872-3,  G.  W.  O'Brien,  W.  B.  Haldeman 
and  McClanahan,  publishers;  Neches  Valley,  1874. 

Jasper  County — The  East  Texan  was  published  in  Jasper  for 
about  three  years  from  1852,  sand  did  much  to  advance  the  interests 
of  the  southeastern  county.  It  was  kept  up  by  several  public 
spirited  gentlemen,  who  contributed  articles  of  an  educational  and 
agricultural  character.  The  East  Texas  Clarion  was  the  next  paper 
and  during  1860  it  was  well  sustained,  but  after  the  War  commenced 
Leonard,  the  publisher,  left  and  it  suspended.  A  number  of  gentle- 
men after  the  termination  of  the  War  purchased  a  press  and  ma- 
terial with  which  the  News-Boy  took  its  existence  in  1865  and 
Edwjard  I.  Kellie,  and  Carraway,  and  Green,  have  been  its  principal 
publishers.  The  East  Texas  Democrat  was  started  by  Kellie  and 
Brown  in  1872,  and  continued  for  several  years.  The  Baptist  Mes- 
senger was  established  in  1874  by  W.  M.  Reese  and  McDonald. 

San  Augustine  County — The  Red  Lander  was  published  by  Can- 
field  and  others  from  1841  till  1847.  The  Texas  Union  was  pub- 
lished on  the  corner  of  Columbia  and  Mountezuma  Streets  at  $3  in 
advance  or  $5  at  the  end  of  the  year.  It  was  started  in  November, 
1847,  by  S.  D.  Ball  and  its  principal  editor  was  B.  F.  Benton,  a 
nephew  of  "Old  Bullion,"  who  was  an  able  writer  and  very  much 
beloved.  He  was  kilfled  at  Games'  Mill,  in  Virginia.  The  Red 
Land  Gazette  was  published  by  A.  D.  McCutchen  in  1857-8.  The 
Red  Land  Express  was  published  in  1867  by  McClanahan  and 
Plunkett,  and  subsequently  by  Thomas  and  King.  The  Beacon 
appeared  in  1867, .  published  by  T.  and  W.  McClanahan.  The  San 
Augustine  Texan  was  published  for  a  time  by  George  W.  King. 

Shelby  County — The  Shelbyville  Echo  was  published  in  1859-60 
for  about  one  year. 

338 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Panola  County — The  Carthage  Watchman  in  1860  issued  a  few 
numbers.  The  Texas  Bulletin  was  published  in  1860  by  H.  P.  C. 
Dulaney  and  Tom  Cooley.  The  Panola  Watchman  started  in  July, 
1873,  by  Tom  M.  Bowers,  editor  and  publisher. 

Nacogdoches  County — The  Nacogdoches  Chronicle,  established 
about  1852  by  N.  J.  Moore  and  J.  C.  Harrison.  Harrison's  health 
failing  in  1854,  E.  W.  Cave,  who  immigrated  from  Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania,  in  1853,  and  was  engaged  as  foreman  and  business 
manager,  was  placed  in  charge  as  editor  and  subsequently  pur- 
chased and  ran  the  paper  till  the  fall  of  1859,  when  he  became 
Secretary  of  State  under  Governor  Houston  and  continued  in  that 
position  until  Houston  wias  deposed  in  March,  1861.  N.  J.  Moore 
resided  for  years  at  Sabine  Pass.  Harrison  died  in  Nacogdoches 
in  1854.  Cave  is  at  Houston,  an  officer  of  the  H.  &  T.  C.  railroad. 
The  Chronicle,  in  the  campaign  of  1856,  had  a  circulation  .of  about 
5,000  copies.  It  exerted  much  influence,  and  was  successful  because 
of  the  enthusiasm  awakened  everywhere  for  Governor  Houston. 
It  was  then  the  official  paper  of  nearly  all  southeastern  Texas.  The 
office  was  sold  to  H.  C.  Hancock,  who  continued  it  until  March, 
1862,  when  he  disposed  of  it  to  H.  C.  Cundiff  and  in  about  one 
year  thereafter  it  went  down.  After  the  War,  a  paper  of  the  same 
name  was  published  in  1867-8-9,  by  Wm.  Clark,  when  it  was  dis- 
continued. Hancock  is  dead.  Clark  was  a  member  of  the  Eighth 
Legislature  and  also  of  the  secession  convention  of  1861,  and  was 
a  good  lawyer  at  Nacogdoches. 


339 


FIRST  TYPE  SET  IN  TEXAS. 


"We  are  permitted  through  Mr.  Job  Male's  kindness  to 
publish  an  item  of  some  interest  concerning  the  earliest  print- 
ing done  in  Texas :  Mr.  LeFebre  set  the  type  for  the  Consti- 
tution of  the  State  of  Texas  in  1825.  At  the  time  he  was 
working  at  Nacogdoches  in  the  office  of  Mr.  Milton  Slocum, 
who  edited  the  first  and  only  paper  then  published  in  Texas. 
The  paper  was  printed  with  one  side  in  Spanish  and  the  other 
in  English.  The  composing  stick  in  which  this  work  of  the 
State  was  done  is  still  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  LeFdbre,  who 
resides  eight  miles  from  Bryan,  and  who  promised  Mr.  Hale 
to  lend  him  this  relic,  when  it  can  be  seen  in  this  office. 

"Hearne   Enterprise." 
"A.  B.  Norton,  Esqr.,  Dallas,  Texas. 

"Dear  Sir:  Your  letter  of  January  4,  1875,  reached  me 
some  three  days  ago,  the  enclosed  'clip/  which  I  now  return 
to  you  I  have  perused,  I  believe  to  be  a  fable.  I  have  no 
knowledge  of  a  printing  office  being  established  at  Nacog- 
doches in  the  year  1825,  or  of  any  newspaper  being  published 
there  in  that  year.  I  have  made  diligent  inquiry  and  can  find 
no  evidence  of  its  existence.  In  the  year  1825  there  was  a 
printing  office  at  Natchitoches,  La.,  and  the  newspaper  pub- 
lished there  was  printed  in  Spanish  and  English.  Its  name  is 
unknown  to  me.  If  Mr.  LeFebre  ever  set  up  type  in  a  printing 
office  in  1825  it  probably  was  at  Natchitoches,  Louisiana 
(frequently  confounded  with  Nacogdoches,  Texas,  even  at 
this  day).  As  for  his  setting  up  type  for  the  Constitution  of 
the  State  of  Texas  at  Nacogdoches  in  1825,  it  is  a  sheer  fabri- 
cation. The  relic  (the  composing  stick)  should  be  sent  back 
to  Louisiana, -as  it  does  not  belong  to  Texas  *  *  *.  A  printing 
office  was  established  in  Nacogdoches,  the  first  in  Texas,  in  the 
early  part  of  July,  i8iq.  I  will  briefly  state  the  causes  that 
brought  it  about  by  referring  to  past  history. 

340 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

"By  virtue  of  the  treaty  made  with  France  in  1803,  the 
United  States  obtained  possession  of  Louisiana  and  what  is 
now  known  as  Texas  was  considered  as  rightfully  belonging 
to  the  United  States,  and  Mr.  Jefferson  declared  the  title  of 
the  United  States  to  be  good  as  far  as  to  the  Rio  Bravo.  This 
was  disputed  by  Spain ;  after  much  negotiation  the  United 
States  unwisely  waived  its  claim  and  agreed  with  Spain  to 
make  the  Sabine  River  its  western  boundary  by  treaty  made 
February  22,  1819.  This  treaty  was  very  unsatisfactory  to 
the  people  of  the  United  States,  particularly  to  the  Southern 
States.  A  public  meeting  was  held  at  Natchez  early  in  1819, 
and  a  company  of  volunteers  raised  for  the  invasion  of  Texas ; 
James  Long  of  Tennessee  was  elected  its  commander.  He 
left  Natchez  with  about  75  men  on  the  I7th  of  June,  1819,  and 
pushed  on  for  Natchitoches,  Louisiana,  thence  to  the  Sabine 
and  on  to  Nacogdoches,  Texas,  where  in  a  short  time  after 
his  arrival  he  was  able  to  muster  about  three  hundred  strong. 
Nacogdoches  had  at  that  time  a  considerable  population  in 
its  vicinity,  made  up  of  several  tribes  of  Indians  (now 
extinct),  a  great  number  of  Mexicans,  also  a  number  of  emi- 
grant adventurers  with  their  families  from  the  adjoining 
States.  General  Long  and  the  leading  men  with  him  in  taking 
possession  of  Nacogdoches  established  a  Provisional  Govern- 
ment and  appointed  a  supreme  council  of  which  he  was  presi- 
dent, which  issued  a  declaration  proclaiming  Texas  a  free  and 
independent  republic.  A  printing  office,  the  first  establishment 
of  the  kind  in  Texas,  was  put  in  operation  under  the  editorial 
conduct  of  Horace  Bigelow,  and  various  laws  were  enacted  for 
the  organization  of  the  country.  David  Long  was  dispatched 
with  merchandise  to  the  upper  crossing  of  the  Trinity  to  make 
friends  with  and  trade  with  the  Indians ;  Major  Smith  with  a 
company  of  forty  men  was  stationed  at  the  Cooshattie  Village 
on  the  Trinity ;  Captain  Johnson  was  sent  to  establish  a  Post 
at  the  falls  of  the  Brazos ;  Captain  Walker  was  detailed  with 
twenty-three  men  to  fortify  a  position  on  the  Brazos  at  the 

341 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

old  LaBahia  crossing,  and  Major  Cook  was  ordered  to  Pecan 
Point.  The  dispersion  of  his  forces  led  to  ultimate  disaster. 
General  Long  was  desirous  of  obtaining  aid  of  the  notorious 
and  celebrated  pirate,  John  LaFitte,  who  had  proclaimed  him- 
self governor  of  Galveston  Island.  He  dispatched  Captain 
Gaines  to  the  'Monarch  of  Galveston  and  Viking  of  the  Gulf  to 
procure  of  him  munitions  of  war  and  military  assistance ;  the 
embassy  was  courteously  received,  but  he  declined  to  render 
any  aid.  LaFitte  wrote  to  General  Long  conveying  his  best 
wishes  for  his  success  and  gave  a  caution  to  avoid  the  fate  of 
his  predecessors,  Magee,  Kemper,  Perry  and  others.  Mean- 
while the  Spanish  royalists  were  rapidly  approaching;  on  the 
nth  of  October  they  attacked  Captain  Johnson  on  the  Brazos 
and  defeated  him  on  the  I5th.  They  attacked  Walker's  fort 
and  captured  it.  The  enemy  made  an  attack  on  the  trading 
post  on  the  Trinity  and  destroyed  it.  Major  Smith  was  defeat- 
ed at  the  Cooshattie  Village  on  the  Trinity  and  those  that 
escaped  fled  to  Nacogdoches.  They  were  hotly  pursued  by 
the  royalists,  Nacogdoches  was  abandoned  by  its  inhabitants 
and  taken  possession  of  by  the  Spanish  forces  commanded  by 
Colonel  Perez.  General  Long  had  barely  time  to  escape  with 
his  family  to  the  Sabine,  closely  pursued  by  the  enemy.  Thus 
closed  this  disastrous  campaign  about  the  I5th  of  November, 
1819. 

"I  would  close  my  account  of  General  Long  by  stating  that 
on  reaching  New  Orleans  he  succeeded  in  assembling  another 
body  of  men  under  his  command.  He  proceeded  to  Galves- 
ton and  from  thence  sailed  down  the  coast  to  the  mouth  of  the 
San  Antonio  and  marched  (having  in  his  company  Colonel 
Milam)  upon  Goliad,  where  he  remained  until  intelligence  was 
received  of  the  revolution  in  favor  of  Iturbide,  and  he  was  invit- 
ed by  the  new  government  to  the  City  of  Mexico,  whither  he 
went  and  was  there  assassinated  by  the  connivance  of  the  gov- 
ernment. Another  account  states  that  Long  and  a  portion  of  his 
followers  were  taken  prisoners  and  sent  to  the  city  of  Mexico, 

342 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

and  that  General   Long  himself  was  set  at  liberty  and  then 
assassinated  in  that  city. 

"In  your  letter  you  ask  me  for  information  of  the  first; 
printing  press  in  Nacogdoches.  *  *  *  I  have  but  little 
knowledge  of  the  several  printing  presses  and  newspapers  that 
have  been  established  in  Nacogdoches  since  the  commence- 
ment of  the  Texas  Revolution  *  *  *.  Yours  respectfully, 
John  Forbes." 

Tyiler  County — The  Woodville  Messenger  was  published  by  Jo 
A.  Kirgan  about  May,  1856,  and  continued  for  a  year  and  then  the 
establishment  Was  moved  to  Polk  County  under  a  promise  of  a 
better  support. 

Liberty  County — The  Liberty  Gazette  was  published  from  1855 
until  after  secession.  Win.  Chambers  was  principal  editor.  The 
Liberty  Observer  was  established  in  1870  by  T.  J.  and  L.  C.  Cham- 
bers. 

Polk  County — The  Rising  Sun  was  published  at  Livingston  in 
1859-60  by  D.  M.  Crossland  &  Co.,  The  Argus  in  1868  by  Jo  A. 
and  E.  M.  Kirgan. 

Trinity  County — There  was  at  Sumpter,  in  the  fall  of  1860,  a 
small  paper  styled  The  Trinity  Valley,  published  by  Jo  A.  Kirgan, 
which  eked  out  for  a  short  time  a  miserable  existence,  and  its  in- 
dustrious publisher,  for  the  support  of  his  family,  turned  his  atten- 
tion to  making  hide-bottom  chairs. 

Houston  County — The  Crockett  Printer  was  established  by 
Osoar  Dalton,  who  came  from  Louisiana  in  1853,  and  was  continued 
by  Dalton  until  he  was  killed  at  his  case  in  1860.  It  was  one  of  the 
liveliest,  spiciest,  and  most  humorous  papers  ever  published  in  Texas. 
Dalton  was  a  hard-working,  industrious  printer.  The  last  time  we 
called,  in  1859,  we  found  him  working  at  the  press  with  one  of  his 
boys  acting  as  roller,  his  wife  and  some  of  the  children  at  the  cases 
setting  type.  He  hailed  us  with:  "Ah,  Delhi,  you  find  this  family 
all  at  work;  we  can  only  make  our  bread  by  putting  everyone  on 
duty."  The  Crockett  Argus  was  established  in  1860  by  J.  M.  Hall 
and  J.  C.  Hepperla  and  for  a  time  edited  by  Preston  Hay,  one  of 
the  most  finished  writers  ever  in  the  State;  truly  was  Hay  a  genial, 
whole-souled  gentleman.  After  Hall  committed  a  homicide  at 
Crockett  he  left  the  paper.  Hepperla  was  killed  during  the  War. 
The  Argus  was  published  only  in  1860  and  1861.  Hay  was  an  un- 
compromising Union  man  and  after  secession  retired  to  the  Pen- 

343 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

nington  neighborhood  and  employed  his  mind  in  literary  pursuits. 
He  prepared  an  interesting  lecture  on  General  Sam  Houston,  which 
he  delivered  at  several  points  in  1865-6,  and  shortly  after  returned 
to  Mississippi.  The  irrepressible  Jo  Kirgan  entered  this  field  in 
the  fall  of  1861  and  published  the  Courier,  which  he  sold  to  James 
R.  Burnet,  /who  during  the  War  ran  the  Quid  Nunc  at  this  place. 
The  Quid  Ntmc  was  established  and  published  in  1862-3-4  by  James 
R.  Burnet,  afterward  a  District  Judge.  The  Texas  Quid  Nunc  (new 
series),  was  established  in  July,  1865,  with  J.  H.  Potts,  as  editor 
and  Botts  land  Leaverton  publishers.  The  Crockett  Sentinel  was 
published  in  1866-7  by  A.  D.  Elam  and  Leaverton.  The  Central 
Journal  was  started  in  1869  toy  R.  R.  Gilbert,  "High  Private,"  and 
L.  L.  Gilbert,  who  sold  out  to  J.  R.  Burnet  in  1870.  The  office 
was  burned  in  1871.  The  East  Texas  Herald  was  established  by 
George  W.  Leaverton  and  Frank  Bainey  in  1873.  Led  with  suc- 
ceeded the  latter. 

Anderson  County — The  Palestine  Advocate  wias  established  in 
1855  by  A.  E.  McClure,  who  subsequently  associated  Matt  Dale  in 
its  publication,  and  it  has  been  continued  by  McClure  and  Ewing; 
by  J.  W.  Ewing;  T.  T.  Gammage  and  R.  A.  Small;  H.  J.  Hunter; 
Ewing,  Hunter  and  Nance;  J.  W.  Ewing,  and  Ewing  &  Deming. 
A.  E.  McClure  was  for  many  years  clerk  of  the  court;  he  died, 
leaving  an  honorable  record  as  a  public  officer  and  a  gentleman. 
Matt  Dale  was  a  member  of  the  State  Legislature  and  also  of  the 
secession  convention  and  was  killed  in  Virginia  during  the  War. 
The  Palestine  American  was  started  by  A.  J.  Fowler  in  1856  and 
was  published  till  1859.  It  was  a  neatly  executed  journal.  Its  edi- 
tor, Judge  Fowler,  died  in  1885,  in  Anderson  County.  He  served 
as  a  member  of  the  Congress  of  the  Republic,  as  district  judge,  and 
creditably  filled  many  positions.  The  Trinity  News,  in  1867,  was 
published  by  W.  F.  Hamilton  &  Co.  The  Union  Republican,  in 
1869,  by  W.  H.  Howard,  John  H.  Morrison,  and  others.  The  Cen- 
tral Journal,  in  1870,  by  M'orrison  and  Farr.  The  Advertiser,  by 
Jasper  Starr,  at  Starr's  Academy,  in  1869-70.  New  Era,  1874,  T.  J. 
Chambers;  succeeded  by  R.  H.  Small,  editor,  R.  H.  and  J.  T.  Small 
publishers. 

Rusk  County — The  Henderson  Democrat,  by  M.  D.  Ector  and 
James  Estill.  The  Star  Spangled  Banner  was  published  by  J.  W. 
Flanagan  in  1856  as  an  American  journal  and  was  conducted  with 
much  spirit.  Mr.  Flanagan  has  been  a  legislator,  lieutenant  governor, 
and  United  States  Senator.  The  Henderson  Era,  by  Swan  and 
S.  G.  Swan,  was  a  wide-awake  American  journal  in  1857-8-9.  The 

344 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Henderson  Times  was  established  in  1859  by  J.  M.  Dodson;  and 
continued  to  be  published  by  J.  M.  Dodson  &  Co.,  tilll  1872.  Since 
then  it  has  'been  continued  by  W.  W.  Spivey  and  Frank  S.  Blanton. 
Dodson  was  an  honest,  good  man,  an  old  Whig  and  Unionist,  and 
after  the  War  his  paper  became  more  conservative  and  democratic. 
The  Texas  Farmer  was  established  in  1868  by  J.  M.  Dodson  and 
W.  K.  Marshall. 

Cherokee  County— The  Rusk  Pioneer,  1849,  by  Rev.  J.  A.  Clark. 
The  Cherokee  Sentinel,  about  1848,  by  A.  Jackson  and  Long,  first 
started  as  a  joint  stock  concern  by  A.  J.  Hood,  Wm.  Wiggins,  et  al. 
The  Texas  Enquirer  by  W.  T.  Yeomans  in  1855-6-7  and  '60-61.  The 
Rusk  Observer  was  established  in  1865,  published  the  greater  part 
of  the  time  since  by  Veitch,  Barron,  Jackson  and  Templeton — 
Tom  J.  Johnson,  editor;  Jack  Davis,  H.  S.  Newland,  J.  Dillard, 
Don  A.  Veitch,  B.  Barron,  —  Williams,  Sam  A.  Wilson,  and 
Jackson.  Texas  Freemason,  in  1859-60,  by  Andrew  Jackson  and 
W.  T.  Yeomans.  Jacksonville  Texas  Intelligencer  by  Rev.  J.  K. 
Street  and  D.  C.  Williams,  established  in  1871;  A.  R.  McCollum 
and  J.  H.  Mason  &  Co.  publishers  in  1873-4.  The  Cherokee  Ad- 
vertiser, .established  in  1870,  Hogg  (J.  S.)  and  Templeton  editors 
and  A.  Jackson  publisher. 

Smith  County — The  Tyler  Reporter  was  established  in  1854 
by  Stanley  M.  Warner  and  published  afterwards  by  W.  V.  Hamilton 
&  Co.,  Sid  S.  Johnson  and  J.  P.  Douglass  and  Callahan  and  Hamilton 
and  D.  C.  Williams.  Tyler  Sentinel,  1860,  by  W.  H.  Smith.  The 
Confederate  Journal.  January,  1861,  G.  W.  Chilton,  editor,  and 
Irvin  T.  Cowsar,  publisher.  The  Tyler  Index,  established  in  1866 
and  published  regularly  since  by  S.  D.  Wood  &  Co.,  and  H.  C. 
Hunt  &  Co.,  H.  C.  Manning  and  S.  D.  Wood.  Tyler  Weekly  Jour- 
nal, I.  T.  B.  Coiwsar.  The  Tyler  Newsletter,  June,  1872,  by  C.  L. 
Collins.  Martin's  Texas  Advertiser,  published  in  1871.  The  Tri- 
Weekly  Sun,  1871,  by  Horace  Chilton.  The  Tyler  Democrat,  pub- 
lished by  H.  V.  Hamilton  and  L.  H.  Beaird  in  1872.  The  Tyler 
Reporter  in  1873  published  a  daily  for  a  short  time,  but  discon- 
tinued it  for  want  of  patronage.  Troup  had  a  paper,  started  by 
C.  L.  Collins  &  Co.,  in  1874. 

Harrison  County — The  Star-State  Patriot,  published  by  Wither- 
spoon  and  edited  by  Howard  Burnside,  1848.  It  was  a  very  hand- 
some appearing,  well  conducted  paper.  Burnside  was  a  graduate 
of  Kenyon  College,  Ohio,  possessing  considerable  talent,  and  a 
graceful  writer.  Fie  died  at  Marshall.  The  Southern  Pacific,  a  rail- 
road paper,  edited  mainly  by  Josiah  Marshall,  in  1854-5;  A.  T. 

345 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Smith,  business  manager.  The  Harrison  Flag,  established  by  Cap- 
tain J.  W.  Biarrett  in  1856,  and  published  in  1857-8-9-'60,  and  until 
his  death — a  Whig  and  American  journal  conducted  with  great  abil- 
ity by  as  chivalrous  a  gentleman  and  as  true  a  friend  as  ever  lived. 
After  the  War,  The  Harrison  Flag  was  revived  by  Captain  G.  W. 
Barrett,  son  of  its  founder,  and  continued  till  1872.  The  Texas 
Republican,  established  in  1849  by  T.  A.  and  Frank  J.  Patillo, 
father  and  son,  a  strict  construction  Democratic  paper.  After  a 
few  issues,  T.  A.  Patillo  disposed  of  his  half-interest  to  R.  W. 
Loughery.  Patillo  &  Loughery  continued  the  paper  for  two  years 
when  F.  J.  Patillo  sold  his  interest  to  R.  W.  Loughery.  In  1868 
The  Republican  was  consolidated  with  The  Jefferson  Times.  The 
name  was  given  in  hion'or  of  the  Republic  of  Texas  and  the  Repub- 
lican principles  of  the  Jefferson  school.  It  was  always  ably  edited 
and  neatly  executed.  The  Marshall  Weekly,  the  largest  and  hand- 
somest paper  ever  in  this  section,  published  in  1869  by  a  company 
of  Republicans,  Wm.  Umbdemstock  &  Co.,  managers,  H.  R  He  Tick 
editor.  Of  too  great  pretensions,  it  survived  only  a  year.  The  East 
Texas  Bulletin  was  established  April,  1871,  by  J.  S.  Lewis  and 
Hamments  publishers;  T.  P.  Hawley  afterwards  its  editor.  The 
Marshall  Reporter,  April,  1871,  by  J.  M.  Kennedy.  The  Marshall 
News,  1874,  J.  M.  Curtis  editor,  Charles  Martin  publisher.  The 
Texas  Iron  Age,  established  in  1873,  R.  C.  Clark  editor  and  pub- 
lisher; succeeded  by  J.  W.  Burch  &  Co.,  and  W.  Y.  Leader.  Halls- 
ville  News,  1874,  by  Charles  Martin  editor  and  publisher. 

Marion  County — The  first  paper  was  The  Herald,  established 
by  Frank  Clark  in  1854.  He  was  an  impetuous,  impulsive  writer 
and  conducted  the  paper  with  much  ability.  He  died  in  1856.  The 
Herald  was  continued  by  H.  L.  Grinstead  in  1857;  and  in  1858  by 
R.  H.  Ward,  Jr.;  in  1860,  H.  F.  O'Neal  published  it  as  The  Herald 
and  Reporter.  The  Jefferson  Gazette  was  published  by  J.  W.  Nimmo 
in  1857,  and  with  him  was  associated  Mike  Farley  in  1858.  In 
1860  The  Herald  and  Gazette  was  published  by  Shad  E.  Eggers. 
The  Star-State  Jeffersonian  was  published  by  James  A.  Warner 
and  Tom  P.  Ochiltree  and  was  violent  and  denunciatory  in  the 
winter  of  1860-61.  The  Jimplecute  was  established  in  1865,  pub- 
lished as  a  semi-weekly  in  1867,  by  Taylor  and  Morgan;  1869  by 
Tayilor  and  Campbell,  afterwards  by  Ward  Taylor,  and  Taylor, 
McCutchen  &  Go.  It  suspended  in  1872,  was  revived  in  1874  by 
Taylor,  Morgan  &  Co.  Trans-Mississippi  Bulletin,  Vol.  1,  No.  1, 
July  8,  1864;  subscription  price  $25  per  year;  $15  for  six  months; 
Allen  Kirbie  editor.  The  Commercial  Bulletin,  1866-7,  by  Walker 

346 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

and  Kirbie.  Norton's  Union  Intelligencer,  1867-8,  by  A.  B.  Nor- 
1"0".  and  forred  bv  mo'b  violence  to  suspend  in  'the  days  of  blciod 
and  crime.  The  Weekly  Clarion  started  about  July  1st,  1867,  by 
E.  E.  Collins  and  A.  A.  Spence  publishers,  Charles  Lewis  editor, 
24x36,  $3  per  annum,  published  about  six  months.  Motto:  "Ex- 
tremely right,  or  extremely  wrong — no  middle  ground  for  truth." 
The  Jefferson  Times,  May,  1867-8,  R.  W.  Loughery  and  A.  D.  Mc- 
Cutchen;  weekly  and  daily,  October,  1867;  in  1868,  consolidated  with 
The  Marshall  Republican,  and  continued  as  The  Times  and  Re- 
publican by  R.  H.  Loughery  until  in  1872,  when  the  office  was 
destroyed  by  fire.  The  Evening  Reflector,  a  weekly  school  and 
literary  journal,  1868,  F.  J.  Patillo  editor  and  proprietor.  The 
Ultra  Ku-Klux,  a  24x36  paper  was  started  about  the  14th  of  April 
by  R.  R.  Haynes  &  Co.,  editors  and  proprietors;  issued  every 
Thursday  at  $3  per  year;  "Devoted  to  a  white  man's  government, 
will  abuse  the  carpet-baggers  and  scallawags  up  to  the  hub  for 
the  money."  "*  *  *  This  paper  will  advocate  the  Democratic 
theory  of  our  government  and  will  heartily  co-operate  with  white 
men  and  Democrats  throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  land." 
It  "Co-operated"  for  one  year.  The  Jefferson  Democrat,  estab- 
lished in  1870  and  published  by  James  &  Houston,  by  Millton  Park, 
J.  H.  McEachern  and  by  F.  P.  Alexander,  daily  and  weekly.  The 
Home  Advocate,  established  in  1869  by  G.  A.  Kelley  and  continued 
by  F.  J.  Patillo;  Rev.  S.  J.  Tawkins  was  for  a  time  its  editor. 
Christian  Companion  (Baptist),  J.  R.  Clark,  1867.  Evangelist 
Register,  Carpenter  and  S.  Chadwick  (Cumberland  Presbyterian\ 
established  in  December,  1865.  Jefferson  Radical,  C.  T.  and  C.  W. 
Garland,  1869,  and  continued  in  1870-1-2.  Tribune,  by  Dillard; 
burned  up  January,  1874.  Mail,  daily  and  weekly,  1873,  by  a  com- 
pany of  co-operative  printers,  editors  and  publishers,  C.  T.  Thomas 
business  manager.  The  Magnet,  tri-weekly,  established  in  1873, 
G.  W.  Wooten  editor,  F.  G.  and  J.  H.  Wooten  publishers.  Jefferson 
N,ew  Epoch,  established  as  a  Democratic  daily  in  1873,  J.  C.  Rodgers 
&  Co.,  editors  and  publishers.  The  Weekly  Jeffersonian,  1871, 
called  Radical  for  short,  by  Roberts  &  Co.  Leader,  daily,  1874, 
W.  Y.  Leader  editor  and  publisher. 

Upshur  County — Tribune,  1860,  by  Trowell  and  brothers;  Gilmer 
Tribune,  1869,  Irwin  Cowsar.  Sentinel,  established  in  1868,  M.  R. 
Willeford  editor;  and  I.  B.  Cowsar  editor  in  1869. 

Gregg  County — Longview  New  Era,  1872,  E.  S.  Terry  editor  and 
J.  S.  Terry  and  son  publishers.  Longview  News,  1871,  Williams  and 
Hogg  (J.  S.). 

347 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Wood  County — Free  Press,  J.  E.  Lemon  and  W.  Banks.  Herald, 
1856-7-'60,  W.  J.  Sparks.  Quitman  Clipper,  A.  P.  Shuford,  1859-60; 
revived  in  1866-7-8-9.  Texas  Clarion,  1868,  D.  C.  Williams.  Jour- 
nal, 1870,  W.  Alexander  and  I.  B.  T.  Cowsar.  Quitman  News, 
Hogg  (James  Stephen)  and  Davis.  Martin's  Texas  Advertiser, 
Mineola,  Charles  Martin  editor  and  publisher;  established  in  1871 
and  shifted  from  Tyler  to  Mineola  in  1873. 

Titus  County — Mount  Pleasant  Union  was  established  in  July, 
1860.  The  Southern  Patriot,  established  in  1873,  R.  B.  and  H.  B. 
Haynes  editors  and  W.  L.  Leuveur  publisher.  The  Texas  Press, 
Mount  Pleasant,  established  November  16,  1867,  J.  Hort  Smith 
editor,  Adams  and  Jennings  publishers;  and  B.  Ober;  in  1868,  S.  P. 
Adams. 

Hunt  County — The  Greenville  Gladiator  was  published  by  B. 
W.  Reilly  in  the  year  1860;  it  was  neatly  executed,  but  inadequately 
supported  and  thie  pubilisher  abandoned  the  field.  The  Greenville 
Herald  was  established  in  1869  and  has  been  published  for  a  time 
by  each  of  the  following  parties:  J.  C.  Bayne,  Jim  Farr,  J.  D.  Mc- 
Camment,  W.  H.  Ragsdale  and  H.  E.  Monroe. 

Hopkins  County — The  Independent  Monitor,  Sulphur  Springs, 
I860,  by  Ashcroft,  Davis  &  Co.  Hopkins  Democrat,  Tarrant, 
1857-'60,  by  E.  D.  McKinney.  Democrat  Herald,  1858-59-'60,  by 
W.  A.  Wortham.  Sulphur  Springs  Gazette,  established  in  1865, 
W.  A.  Wortham  editor  and  W.  R.  Hallum  publisher;  1871,  B.  W. 
Foster  and  R.  M.  Henderson  and  B.  W.  Reilly  publishers.  Texas 
Ranger,  December,  1866,  B.  W.  Reilly;  in  1867  by  W.  A.  Wortham. 
The  Vidette,  established  in  1868  by  Vic  Rienhardt;  Rev.  M.  H. 
Neeley  editor  in  1873;  Vic  Reinhardt  editor  and  publisher  in  1874. 

Van  Zandt  County — The  Canton  Times  was  published  in  1859 
by  Sid  S.  Johnson  and  wound  up  before  its  volume  was  completed. 
The  Canton  Weekly  News  was  published  by  A.  W.  Reilly,  W.  Man- 
ning, and  others  from  1872-3-4.  The  Canton  Times  -was  started  in 
1873  by  a  joint  stock  company  consisting  of  a  large  number  of  per- 
sons, each  of  whom  wanted  an  organ  to  play  tunes  to  his  own 
liking.  It  was  edited  by  various  parties  till  those  who  danced 
became  unwilling  to  pay  the  fiddler  when  it  ceased  to  exist.  Tom 
Cooley  was  its  last  editor  and  publisher. 

Kaufman  County — The  Kaufman  Democrat  was  published  in 
1860-61  by  J.  B.  and  B.  W.  Reilly.  It  ceased  to  exist  the  first 
year  of  the  War.  J.  B.  Reilly  started  the  Kaufman  Inquirer  in 
1864,  but  it  was  of  few  days.  The  Texas  Star  made  its  appearance 
in  1865,  about  the  "break  up,"  and  has  been  run  during  its  existence 

348 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

as  The  Star  or  The  Kaufman  Star,  B.  J.  Osborme,  Green  J.  Clark, 
R.  A.  Hindman,  H.  W.  Kyser,  T.  W.  Clark,  G.  W.  Clark,  and  J.  T. 
Walker  have  been  at  various  times  its  editors.  It  has  been  edited 
principally  by  Judge  Green  J.  Clark  and  R.  A.  Hindman,  who  by 
articles  upon  immigration,  ietc.,  brought  the  county  favorably  before 
the  public. 

Henderson  County— The  Athens  Bulletin,  1873.  The  Athens 
Courier  issued  its  first  number  July  11,  1874,  a  Democratic  journal, 
W.  P.  Hutchinson  editor  and  proprietor;  in  1874  Holman  and  Fowler 
succeeded  as  publishers.  The  Farmer  and  Granger,  by  Mrs.  Anna 
Hutchinson,  started  and  ended  in  1874. 

Cass  County— Linden  Times,  1859,  by  A.  F.  O'Neil.  The  Re- 
porter, 1860,  by  O'Neil;  in  November,  1860,  M.  M.  Mitchell  became 
its  editor. 

Bolwie  County— Texarkana  Gate  City  News,  1874,  G.  W.  Valiant. 
Democrat,  1873-4,  J.  C.  Bayne.  Journal,  1874,  H.  S.  Johnson. 

Red  River  County— The  Northern  Standard,  1842,  by  Charles 
DeMorse,  puiblished  till  1861  and  then  suspended;  revived  in  July, 
1865,  and  continued  as  the  Clarksvilk  Standard,  and  The  Standard, 
to  the  present  day.  The  Clarksville  Messenger,  published  by  Thomas 
&  Darnell  from  1855  till  1858  when  the  office  was  removed  to  Mc- 
Kinney.  The  editors  and  publishers  were  old  line  Whigs  and 
Americans,  and  their  paper  was  weill  edited  and  neatly  published 
during  its  entire  existence.  The  Clarksville  Tirnes  was  established 
by  W.  J.  Swain  in  1873;  he  went  to  the  legislature  and  the  paper 
has  since  be'en  controlled  by  E.  P.  Rutherford  as  editor  and  Ham- 
ilton and  Rutherford  as  publishers. 

Lamar  County— The  Frontier  Patriot  was  published  at  Paris 
by  E.  Julius  Foster  in  1855-6;  it  was  moved  to  Sherman  to  be  on  the 
"Great  Pacific  Mail  Route"  which  wias  in  contemplation  from  Texas 
to  California.  The  Paris  Press,  1857,  F.  W.  Miner  editor  and  pub- 
lisher; 1860,  Miner  and  Crooks.  The  Paris  Advocate,  1860;  T.  J. 
Crooks  till  1861.  The  Cosmopolitan  was  published  in  1869  till  1873 
by  S.  W.  DeWitt.  The  Paris  Press  established  in  1863,  published 
by  W.  H.  Lewis,  Lewis  and  Hilliard,  and  by  Lewis  and  Hamner. 
The  Paris  Enquirer,  established  in  1869,  A.  P.  Boyd  editor  and 
Thomas  R.  Newton  publisher;  1871,  A.  H.  Boyd  publisher  and  E.  L. 
Dohoney  editor.  The  Texas  Vindicator  was  started  in  March,  1857, 
by  Richard  Peterson  and  under  his  editorial  management  continued 
till  March  31,  1871.  A  short  while  before  its  dissolution  it  was 
edited  by  James  Walker,  a  spicy,  dashing  writer.  The  North 
Texas  was  established  in  1869,  E.  L.  Dohoney  editor  and  A.  H. 

349 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Boyd  publisher.  The  Chartist  was  published  in  1872-3  by  F.  W. 
Miner;  it  was  ably  conducted,  but  started  out  on  too  large  a  scale 
and  proved  unprofitable;  its  career  was  short — only  one  year. 
Common  Sense  was  the  name  of  a  small  paper  published  in  1874 
by  Richard  Peterson.  Religious  Messenger,  a  Baptist  paper,  estab- 
lished in  1874,  Robert  C.  Buckner  editor  and  publisher. 

Fannin  County — Bonham  Advertiser,  R.  Hunt;  1857,  J.  A.  Clark; 

1858,  L.  C.  DeLisle  till  1861;  sold  to  J.  W.  Campbell  who  changed 
the   name  to   Review  which   was  of  short   duration.     The   News,   es- 
tablished  in   1866;   W.   H.   Ragsdale   and   W.   A.    Evans,   1869;   T.   R. 
Burnett  and  W.   T.   Gass   in   1870;  J.   W.   Finer   and  W.   T.    Gass   in 
1871;    W.    T.    Gass    in    1873;    Finer   and    Chisholm    in    1874.      North 
Texas    Enterprise,    established    in    1871,    Tom    R.    Burnett    and    Jim 
Farr,  and   Burnett   &  Cox.     Ladonia   Enterprise,   1870,  Tom   R.    Bur- 
nett.     Ladionia    Courier,    August    17,    1874,    J.    W.    Avera    editor    and 
publisher.       Honey     Grove     Independent,     T.     B.     Yarbrough     editor 
and  W.  A.  Crooks  publisher,  1874. 

Grayson  County — The  Advance  Guard,  at  Sherman,  1868,  Clay 
Wells  and  Tom  Grant;  it  became  the  Grayson  Monitor,  1859-60, 
J.  B.  Root  publisher.  The  Sherman  Patriot,  by  E.  Julius  Foster 
in  June,  1858;  it  was  said  to  J.  W.  Whitaker,  who  published  it  for 
a  short  time  when  Foster  took  it  back.  The  Patriot  was  continued 
as  a  Union  paper  in  1860-61,  till  the  lever  was  torn  out  of  the 
press  and  destroyed  and  Foster  was  compelled  to  suspend;  sub- 
sequently he  was  murdered.  Another  Sherman  Patriot  was  started 
by  a  Republican  joint  stock  company  in  1870,  A.  L.  Darnell  editor 
and  The  Patriot  Printing  Company  publishers.  The  North  Texas, 

1859,  Tom  and  Charles   S.   Grant,   a  Union  journal,   expired   in   1861. 
The   Temperance    Banner,    1872-3,    G.   A.    Cutler  and   R.   J.    Brockett. 
The    Land    Journal,    1872,    North    Texas    Land    Company    publishers, 
G.    A.    Cutler   editor;    died    in    six   months.     The    Courier,   established 
in   1867,    G.  A.    Dickerman;    1868,    Dick   Hopson   publisher,    Hare   and 
Dickerman  editors;  1873,  Crooks  and  Dickerman,  Crooks  and  James. 
The     Register,     1873,     Martin     and    Parker    editors     and    publishers. 
Democrat,    1873,    Brown    and    Thompson.      The    Red    River    Journal, 
first   number   with   a  red   head,   from   Red   River   City,    G.   A.    Cutler. 
The    "Infant    Wonder"    had    the    Denison    Journal,    1872,    started    by 
G.    A.    Cutler,   who    subsequently    was    associated   with    F.    P.    Baker 
and  then  -sold  out  to   him.     The   New   South   was   published   in   1873 
by   Dan   Webster,   who    associated    with    himself   T.    W.    Ham.  *  *  * 
The   Denison   Times   succeeded   and  was   for   a  time   ably   conducted 
by  Dan  Wdbster  until  a  majority  of  the  joinit  stock  company  owning 
it  put   F.   P.   Baker,   an   old   Kansas   editor,   at  the  helm  with   N.   R. 

350 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Baker  publisher.  The  Denison  News,  started  by  B.  C.  Murray,  in 
1873,  who  continued  its  publication  for  many  a  year. 

Collin  County — The  Messenger  was  published  at  Mc'Kinney  by 
James  W.  Thomas  for  nearly  eighteen  years — having  for  its  motto, 
"Pledged  but  to  truth,  to  liberty  and  law;  no  favor  sways  us,  no 
fear  can  awe."  It  was  a  staunch  Union  journal,  and  since  the  War 
the  entire  office  was  destroyed  by  fire.  The  editor  has  acquired  a 
reputation  as  an  honest,  conscientious  man,  of  more  value  than 
18-karat  gold.  The  McKinney  Enquirer  was  started  in  1866  by 
Gresham  &  Murray,  who  soion  disposed  of  their  interests  to  John 
H.  Bingham  who  continues  its  publication  as  an  earnest  and  zealous 
Democratic  journal.  The  Piano  News,  March,  1874,  by  J.  C.  Son 
and  J.  Routh,  short  lived. 

Wise  County — The  Advance  Guard  was  started  in  1870  by  Tom 
Bomar  editor  and  Benjamin  F.  Galia  publisher.  1873,  W.  J.  Booth 
and  A.  E.  Blythe  editors  and  W.  A.  Bowen  publisher. 

Jack  County — The  Whiteman  was  published  at  Jacksboro  in 
1858-9  and  '60  by  Captain  H.  A.  Hamner  and  Isaac  R.  Worrall; 
it  was  mainly  edited  by  Hamner  and  it  was  bitter,  vile  and  abusive 
toward  Governor  Sam  Houston.  In  fact,  the  principal  object  of  the 
paper  was  to  make  war  upon  the  Indian  policy  of  Houston  and  to 
break  up  the  Indian  reserve  in  Texas.  The  over-land  stage  line 
to  California  passing  through  this  county  from  Sherman  west  gave 
it  enlarged  mail  facilities,  and  being  filled  with  sensational  matter 
it  had  a  large  circulation  in  the  frontier  range.  It  was  in  a  great 
part  successful  in  destroying  the  reserves — going  actively  into  the 
Secession  movement.  Hamner  went  into  the  service  as  an  officer 
in  the  expedition  to  New  Mexico.  *  *  *  The  Flea,  a  lively  little — 

(Editor's  Note:  The  Author's  manuscript,  closing  with  a  page, 
breaks  abruptly  at  this  point.  The  Editor  has  been  unable  to  obtain 
from  any  source  further  data  respecting  this  peculiarly  named  paper.) 

Cooke  County — The  Gainesville  Gazette,  established  in  1870  by 
Bailey  and  Hamilton;  Bailey,  Choice  and  Dodson  editors  and  pub- 
lishers. Vidette,  Gainesville,  1868-9,  by  C.  W.  Reinhardt;  thence, 
by  the  way  of  Pilot  Point,  moved  to  Sulphur  Springs,  Texas.  Demo- 
crat established  in  1873,  M.  V.  B.  Bennett  -editor  and  Bennett  and 
Trask  publishers;  it  soon  played  out,  and  Martin  Van  Buren  Ben- 
nett returned  to  Kansas,  where  he  holds  high  rank  as  a  prohibition 
orator. 

Parker  County — The  Weatherford  News  was  the  first  paper  in 
this  county  and  was  established  in  1856  by  C.  A.  Vanhorn,  who  sold 
out  to  D.  O.  Norton,  its  editor,  who  continued  it  through  1861. 
In  1862,  Norton  was  arrested;  and  he  died  while  Judge  of  the 

*  351 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

District  Court,  in  1867,  of  disease  contracted  in  prison.  The  Texas 
Signet  established  in  1872  by  Newton  and  Battle.  The  Times  and 
Stock  Journal  established  in  1868  by  R.  W.  Duke;  W.  R.  Graves 
publisher  in  1874,  succeeded  by  Garland.  The  Whiteman,  1861. 
Richey  and  Deavors.  The  Weatherford  Post,  October,  1870,  hv 
J.  C.  Stone  and  T.  Low  Garland. 

Tarrant  County — Western  Express,  Birdville,  1855,  by  Court- 
ney unltil  he  was  killed  by  Colonel  A.  G.  Walker,  editor  of  the 
Union.  The  Union,  Birdville,  1857-9-'60,  by  Albert  Gallatin  Walker, 
a  native  of  Virginia,  who  was  State  Senator  and  filled,  many  posi- 
tions and  died  in  1872.  The  Fort  Worth  Chief,  in  1859-'6'0,  by  A. 
B.  Norton;  the  hostility  of  the  people,  growing  out  of  secession 
views,  compelled  its  discontinuance  after  the  hanging  of  Rev. 
Anthony  Buley  and  Crawford;  re-establishmenit  in  1870-71  by  A.  B. 
Norton.  North  Texas  Epitomist,  established  in  1873  by  Will  H. 
Lawrence.  Fort  Worth  Democrat,  established  in  1871  by  a  com- 
pany of  Democrats,  R.  R.  Bibb  publisher,  J.  W.  Clevelnnd  editor: 
it  was  controlled  by  a  joint  stock  company;  in  1872  B.  B.  Paddock 
editor  and  W.  H.  Graves  publisher.  The  Standard,  established  in 
1873,  J.  K.  Millican  &  Co.,  with  W.  O.  Stillman  publisher. 

Dallas  County — The  Weekly  Herald  was  established  in  Dallas  in 
1849  by  J.  W.  Latimer  and  Wm.  Wallis,  and  was  subsequently  run 
by  Latimer  and  J.  W.  Swindells;  after  the  death  of  its  founders,  its 
principal  editors  till  1875:  Dr.  Charles  R.  Pryor,  Virginius  Hutchins 
in  1869-70,  Robert  Josselyn  in  1871-2,  D.  McCaleb  in  1873-4,  John 
Henry  Brown  and  E.  W.  Baylor  in  1875.  Norton's  Union  Intelli- 
gencer issued  its  first  number  at  The  Owl's  Nest  in  Dallas  County 
in  July,  1871,  with  the  motto  of  Henry  Clay,  "Let  us  never  despair 
of  the  American  Republic;"  and  was  very  hopeful  of  the  future, 
regarding  Dallas  as  a  good  field  for  a  promising  young  man  to 
operate  in.  The  Dallas  Weekly  News  was  .started  in  1872  by  John 
G.  Walker  and  E.  W.  Baylor  and  terminated  its  existence  in  1873; 
it  wajs  a  good  newspaper,  but  not  properly  appreciated.  The  Texas 
Signet,  February  13,  1874,  by  the  Signet  Publishing  Company,  Lee 
Newton  editor  with  Mrs.  Sue  G.  Newton  as  assistant;  after  a  few 
months  struggle  with  "the  rum  power"  it  struck  out  for  the  frontier. 
The  Dallas  Commercial,  daily  and  weekly,  established  in  1874, 
G.  A.  Cutler,  editor  and  proprietor. 

Denton  County — iDenton  Monitor,  established  in  1868,  Charles 
W.  Geers  editor  and  publisher.  Review,  1874,  Teed  and  Bates. 
Texas  Democrat,  Pilot  Point,  M.  V.  B.  Bennett  and  W.  M.  Connell. 
Pilot  Point  Citizen,  1874,  John  R.  Miller  editor  and  John  W.  Dale 
publisher.  • 


PAPERS   PUBLISHED   IN   WESTERN  TEXAS. 


Galveston  County — As  heretofore  stated  Galveston  had  its  first 
paper,  The  Times,  by  Ferdinand  Pinckard.  The  Civilian,  estab- 
lished by  Hamilton  Stuart  in  1838,  and  published  for  a  portion  of  its 
existence  as  the  Civilian  and  Gazette  by  Stuart,  Durnet  &  Co., 
H.  Stuart  &  Co.,  with  Menard,  Brown,  Cave,  Murphy,  and  others 
associated  (editorially  and  in  its  publication.  In  the  more  pros- 
perous times  it  was  issued  daily,  tri-weekly  and  weekly;  and  then 
again  only  tri-w.eekly  and  weekly;  then  only  weekly,  as  circum- 
stances ordened;  after  a  brief  suspension  it  was  revived  by  W.  H. 
Pascoe.  The  Galveston  Commercial,  in  1838,  by  Johin  S.  Evans. 
The  Gialveston  News,  from  a  small  weekly  in  1842,  grew  into  a 
mammoth  journal  with  daily  and  tri-weekly  issues  and  a  widely 
extended  circulation.  Die  Union,  in  the  German  language,  was 
established  by  Mr.  Moore  and  boug.ht  by  Ferdinand  Flake  in  1857, 
and  acquired  a  large  circulation  amang  the  Germans  throughout  the 
country  till  the  secession  question  came  up  for  discussion;  and 
Flake  taking  the  Union  side,  his  press  and  material  were  taken  in 
the  broad  light  of  day  and  thrown  into  Galveston  Bay,  in  January, 
1861,  causi/ng  Die  Union  to  stop  its  issue  during  the  frenzy  of  the 
times.  Ferdinand  Flake  had  been  long  a  resident  of  Texas,  sym- 
pathizing with  the  people,  interested  in  the  maintenance  of  the 
"domestic  institution,"  being  himself  a  slave  holder,  yet  he  adhered 
with  tenacity  to  the  National  cause.  Upon  the  termination  of  the 
War  he  re-established  Die  Union  and  continued  its  publication  till 
his  death.  Flake's  Bulletin  was  estaiblis-hed  by  Ferdinand  Fla.li?  in 
1865  and  was  issued  until  his  death,  daily,  tri-twieekly,  and  weekly 
and  had  a  very  large  circulation.  It  was  Republican  in  politics 
and,  about  1867,  '68,  '69,  it  was  more  sought  after  for  news  than 
ainy  paper  in  Texas.  There  was  a  piquancy  and  freshness  in  its 
articles,  and  it  had  M.  Whilden  and  a  corps  of  writers  and  re- 
porters unsurpassed  in  Texas  journalism.  Flake  died  suddenly  at 
New  London,  Connecticut,  July  18,  1872.  A  few  months  previous 
it  had  passed  into  a  joint  stock  company  and  the  paper  ceased 
to  exist.  Selim  Rinker,  its  business  manager,  by  striking  a  balance 
sheet  could  readily  tell  all  interested  how  much  easier  it  is  for  a 
sought-after  and  topmost-round-of-the-ladder  newspaper  ,to  make 
reputation  than  to  make  money.  No  coin  was  there  left  to  rattle 
in  his  coffers.  The  Port  Folio  was  a  literary  venture  of  F.  D. 

353 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Allen,  supported  by  Joe  A  Kirgan,  in  1857.  It  was  issued  semi- 
monthly, but  with  all  its  bright  promise  it  did  not  survive  the  year. 
The  Galveston  Journal,  in  1854.  The  Galveston  Confederate  was  a 
handsome  appearing  aind  ably  edited  paper,  published  in  1855-56  by 
Waddill  and  Cherry  and  advocating  the  politics  of  the  American 
party.  Th'e  Texas  Christian  Advocate  was  established  about  1858 
as  an  organ  of  the  Methodist  Church  and  has  at  different  times 
been  edited  aind  managed  by  I.  D.  Johns,  Veal  and  Johns,  and 
others.  To  escape  the  blockade,  it  was  moved  to  Houston  and 
there  published  during  the  War.  About  1869  it  wais  removed  to 
Galveston.  It  has  always  had  a  large  circulation,  the  Church  being 
very  strong  in  Texas.  The  Texas  Post  (German),  established  in 
1869,  has  been  about  all  its  days  conducted  by  O.  and  H.  Dietzel. 
It  issues  daily,  tri-weekly  and  weekly.  The  Bulletin,  August  5, 
1865,  Ridge  Pas<chal.  The  Galveston  Spectator  was  established  by 
Richard  Nelson  in  1871,  advocating  "equal  rights  for  all  men."  The 
Gailvestoin  Standard  was  established  by  G.  T.  Ruby  in  1871,  and  was 
issued  in  1871-2-3  semi- weekly;  it  was  a  neat  appealing  journal. 
The  Dispatch  was  started  in  1869  by  an  association  of  printers  and 
for  a  'short  time  its  issues  appeared  daily,  tri-weekly  and  weekly. 
The  Galveston  Unabbangige  (German),  was  established  by  J.  H. 
Baker.  The  Gadveston  'Mercury,  issued  daily  and  weekly  in  1873 
by  J.  H.  Blaker  and  J.  H.  Wilson;  in  politics  a  hermaphrodite. 
The  Galveston  Times,  1873,  B.  Rush  Plumley  editor,  Times  Pub- 
lisihing  Co.  publishers.  The  Galvesto.n  Republican,  1869,  by  W.  T. 
Clark;  it  gasped  its  last  in  about  half  a  dozen  issues.  The  Gal- 
veston Medical  Journal  was  published  in  1866  by  Greenville  Dowell, 
M.  D.,  editor  and  proprietor,  monthly,  forty-eight  octavo  pages  at 
$5.00  per  annum. 

Harris  County — The  Houston  Telegraph,  dating  back  to  the 
earliest  times,  has  had  its  history  as  fully  sketched  as  our  space 
will  admit.  It  was  revived  after  a  short  suspension,  and  under  the 
management  of  one  of  its  earliest  printers,  A.  C.  Gray,  as  pub- 
lisher made  a  fine  appearance.  The  Houston  Republic  was  pub- 
lished in  1857-8-9-'60  by  Captain  Wm.  A.  Daily.  It  was  a  staunch 
advocate  of  General  Sam  Houston,  and  in  opposition  to  the  Con- 
vention Democracy.  It  was  a'bly  edited  and  well  printed  under 
the  management  of  an  honest,  incorruptible  old  Texan.  The  Bayou 
City,  a  neutral  in  politics,  was  published  in  1857.  The  Merchant's 
Transcript  was  published  by  W.  N.  Bryant  &  Co.,  in  1874.  The 
Texas  Christian  Advocate  aind  the  Galveston  News  "camped"  in 
Houston  during  the  blockade  and  the  time  Galveston  was  occupied 

354 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

by  the  Federal  forces.  The  Baptist  Herald,  established  in  1869, 
has  been  for  many  years  well  'handled  by  Rev.  J.  B.  Link.  The 
Housiton  Journal,  by  Diamond,  Purdom  &  Co.,  in  1869,  was  a  very 
handsome  appearing  paper.  Its  career  was  closed  by  the  death  of 
the  Diamonds,  who  were  very  much  mourned.  The  Valkstreund 
(in  German),  was  established  in  1869  by  Derw«rner;  it  was  pub- 
lished for  a  time  daily.  The  Houston  Times  was  issued  daily,  tri- 
weekly and  weekly  in  1869-70  by  Kinney,  Clandon  &  Shott.  After 
the  death  of  Somers  Kinmey,  its  principal  editor,  it  ceased  to  exist. 
The  Houston  Union,  by  J.  G.  Tracy  and  E.  H.  Quick,  was  es- 
tablished in  1869.  It  issued  daily,  tri-weekly  and  weekly  editions 
until  after  the  presidential  election  of  1872  when  it  was  sold  out  to 
J.  H.  Baker,  who  changed  its  name  and  politics.  The  Houston 
Mercury  was  published  but  a  few  months  in  the  city,  under  the 
management  of  Baker  &  Wilson,  when  it  moved  to  Galveston. 
The  Age  was  established  in  1871,  by  Dan  McGary,  and  has  bee*n 
published  (by  McGary  &  Hardcastle  until  in  1874),  by  S.  W.  Small. 
Texas  Deutsche  Zeitung,  established  in  1872,  Hugo  Lenham  editor 
and  publisher.  Family  Visitor,  1869,  by  B.  T.  Kavanaugh.  The 
Temperance  Family  Visitor,  established  in  1871  by  B.  T.  Kavanaugh. 
Houston  Courier,  born  in  September,  1872,  Ashbel  Smith  editor, 
Dietzel,  Barton  &  Co.  publishers;  a  large  and  handsome  Democratic 
daiily  aind  weekly,  but  survived  only  a  few  months.  The  Texas 
Presbyterian  was  published  in  Houston  about  two  years.  The 
Panopolist,  ,an  Old  School  Presbyterian  paper,  was  published  in 
1856  by  Rev.  Jerome  Twitcheil. 

Brazoria  County — An  account  of  the  earlier  papers,  The  Cotton 
Plant,  Texias  Republican,  San  Luis  Gazette,  having  already  been 
given  somewhat  at  length,  and  The  Dem'ocrat  and  Planter  referred 
to,  I  will  only  say  that  after  Gushing,  W.  F.  Swain  conducted  this 
paper  till  Sece'ssiion  brought  about  the  War,  and  it  ceased  to  exist. 

Fort  Bend  County — The  paper  first  issued  at  Richmond  was  long 
published  by  Sidney  Call'ender,  who  was  afterwards  a  Mier  prisioner, 
drew  a  white  bean  in  the  lottery  of  life,  languished  twenty-two 
months  in  Mexican  prisons  and  returned  home  with  his  comrades 
and  received  with  them  an  ovation  from  the  people  of  his  town  and 
country.  The  earliest  paper  at  Richmond  having  been  sketched.  I 
need  oinly  Say  that  after  years  had  passed  by,  the  Richmond  Re- 
piorter  was  edited  in  1855-6  by  R.  H.  Rawlins  from  Virginia.  He 
was  a  good  writer  but  he  returned  to  that  State.  The  Reporter 
was  published  till  the  War  by  Theo  Noel.  The  Richmond  Signal 
in  1855-6-7  by  Ed  Bailey.  The  Four  Counties,  established  in 

355 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

1873  by  J.  M.  Western  and  C.  E.  Collins,  as  a  newspaper  for  Bra- 
zoria,  Font  Bend,  Wharton  and  Matagorda,  Henry  Parnall  editor 
and  publisher  in  1874. 

Austin  County — In  addition  to  the  early  papers  heretofore 
spoken  of,  wiere  the  following:  The  Texas  Countryman  was  estab- 
lished in  Bellville  in  1859  by  J.  P.  Osterlhout;  suspended  during  the 
War;  revfived  in  1865,  after  which  the  office  was  moved  to  Hemp- 
stead  and  shortly  after  Osterhout  moved  to  the  frontier  range,  hav- 
ing been  appointed  Judge  of  the  Bell  District  by  Governor  Davis. 
The  Sunny  South  in  1870  by  Sam  Hayford.  The  Hempstead  Courier 
wias  published  in  1859-60-61.  The  Hempstead  Courier  re-established 
in  1874,  Newman  and  Farr  editors  and  publishers. 

Waller  County — The  Countryman  at  Hempstead  was  published 
by  Elliott  and  B'eeman  in  1869.  The  Hempstead  Reporter  in  1870, 
J.  G.  Rankin  editor  and  publisher.  The  Messenger,  established 
in  1871,  E.  Hieronymus  editor  and  publisher. 

'Montgomery  County — Montgomery  Register,  1870,  by  W.  T. 
Chalk  &  Co.  The  Montgomery  Observer  by  G.  W.  Collins.  The 
Willis  Observer,  1874,  G.  W.  Collins  and  M.  C.  Leslie  editors  and 
publishers. 

Walker  County — The  Huntsville  Banner  was  published  in  1848. 
The  Huntsville  Item  was  established  by  George  Robinson  in  1850, 
and  stiill  lives.  The  Presbyterian  was  published  in  1857.  There 
wlas  a  paper,  The  Advocate,  published  by  McCreary  &  Collins, 
about  1857-9,  advocating  the  claims  of  General  Houston.  The  Times 
was  published  by  T.  C.  Caswell  in  1869.  The  Union  Republican  was 
established  in  1868  by  M.  H.  Goddin  and  continued  under  the  man- 
agement of  M.  H.  Goddin  and  W.  H.  Howard;  and  in  1872,  by 
E.  W.  Brady  to  spasmodically  throw  off  an  issue  till  in  the  fall 
of  that  year  it  "shuffled  off  its  mortal  coil." 

Grimes  County — The  Central  Texan  was  published  by  Dr.  D.  C. 
Dicksdn  at  Anderson,  in  1856-7-8-9-'60.  The  Texas  Baptist  was 
published  in  1855,  Rev.  G.  W.  Baine's  editor.  The  Lone  Star 
Ranger,  by  Captain  Joseph  Lancaster,  at  Navasota,  in  1866-7-8-9- 
70-1-2.  The  Central  Texas  Record,  at  Anderson,  by  Wilson  & 
Lambers,  in  1866-7.  The  Weekly  Record  suspended  in  October, 
1867.  The  Weekly  Tablet  was  published  by  Quesenbury  in  1869; 
also,  by  Smith  and  Dawson  and  by  John  Wr.  Callahan  and  P.  A. 
Smith.  The  Gladiator  was  established  at  Anderson  in  1869  by 
George  M.  Shipper.  Our  old  friend,  Joe  A.  Kingan,  regarding  this 
as  a  good  field  for  a  promising  young  man  to  operate  in,  furnished 

356 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

a    Home    Journal    in    1871,    and    subsequently    changed    the    name    to 
The    Grimes   County  Journal. 

Leon  County — The  Leon  Pioneer  was  established  at  Center- 
ville,  about  1856,  by  Isaac  and  W.  D.  Woods;  was  published  about 
three  years.  The  Centerville  Times  was  established  by  B.  W. 
Cammer  in  1859,  and  published  in  1860  as  The  Texas  Times.  The 
Experiment  was  published  in  1869-VO-l  by  Johnston  and  Shipper. 
The  Leon  Lone  Star  in  1872,  B.  P.  Patrick  editor  and  proprietor. 
The  Jewett  Experiment,  1873. 

Freestone  County — The  Fairfield  Pioneer  was  published  'by  W. 
L.  Moody  and  J.  L.  Caldwell  from  1856  till  1861,  after  the  State's 
secession.  It  'Was  revived  after  the  War  by  J.  Moreland,  till  1867. 
The  Pioneer  was  'subsequently  bought  by  J.  W.  Fiishburn,  who 
moved  the  office  ito  the  nearest  railroad  station  and  continued  the 
paper  as  the  Mexia  Ledger,  established  1869,  J.  W.  Fishburn  editor 
and  proprietor. 

Niavarro  County — Corsicana  had  its  first  paper,  The  Prairie 
Blade,  a  Whig  aind  American  exponent,  in  1855-6-7,  with  D.  E. 
Bartley  and  other  good  writers  for  its  columns.  The  Gors/icana 
Observer  was  established  in  1865;  R.  A.  Van  Horn,  Dan  Donaldson, 
Wm.  Croft,  and  L.  T.  Wheeler  were  principal  conductors  till  1874. 
The  Missionary  Baptist,  established  February  3,  1870,  by  Thomas  H. 
Compere.  The  Independent  wias  published  by  Judge  J.  M.  Thur- 
mond in  January,  1872.  The  Navarro  Banner,  a  Democratic  sheet, 
was  edited  by  Simpkins  &  Moore;  lived  during  1872.  The  Progres- 
sive Age  (Republican),  was  published  by  Zadek  &  Taylor,  and 
edited  by  John  Flynn,  in  1873.  The  office  material  subsequently 
was  sdld  by  Judge  Thurmond  and  moved  off  to  Grioesbeck. 

Ellis  County — The  Waxahachie  Argus  was  established  by  J.  D. 
Shaw,  an  1866,  who  was  succeeded  in  1867  by  Frank  Templeton;  in 
1869  Cummjns  ciame  into  Uhe  concern.  The  office  Was  then  bought 
by  H.  H.  Sneed  and  called  The  Democrat;  and  in  1871,  under  his 
influence,  it  advanced  John  C.  Connor  to  Congress,  when,  his  object 
having  .been  accomplished,  the  office  was  sold  to  John  B.  Dale,  who 
with  L.  J.  Stroop  continued  its  publication  until  1873  when  the 
office  was  s'old  and  The  EMlis  County  News  appeared  under  the 
management  of  C.  R.  Gibson.  L.  J.  Stroop.for  a  time  edited  it  at 
Waxahachie.  Waxahachie  Enterprise,  1869,  C.  R.  Gibson  editor, 
J.  S.  Hanes  publisher.  Texas  Herald,  1875,  W.  W.  Ledwith  &  Co. 
The  Ennis  Argus  was  established  May  3,  1873,  upon  the  ruins  of 
the  Weaitherford  Post,  J.  C.  Rushing  as  editor  and  A.  J.  Rushing 

357 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

as  publisher.  Ellis  County  News,  Ennis,  1874,  by  C.  R.  Gibson  and 
L.  J.  Stroop;  and  then  by  Wm.  Falconer,  editor  and  publisher. 

Johnson  Count}' — The  Chronicle  was  established  at  Clebunne  in 
1868  by  J.  W.  Graves,  who  for  a  short  time  had  associated  witfh  him 
W.  F.  Wedilis.  Graves,  'by  close  attention,  built  up  a  good,  paying  cir- 
culation. 

Hill  County — At  Hillsboro,  in  1859-'60,  a  paper  w.as  published 
under  the  management  of  J.  P.  Weir.  Its  career  terminated  with 
the  commencement  of  the  War.  The  only  vestige  of  the  office  left 
in  1870  was  the  legs  of  the  press  standing  in  the  street  at  the  corner 
of  Ratcliiff's  lot  on  the  public  square  as  'a  warning  or  sign-board  to 
travelers.  The  type  was  said  to  have  been  mostly  shot  away  and 
thiis  put  up  as  a  sign;  aind  thus  ended  the  Expre&s.  Nevertheless, 
adventurous  youths  in  1871  conceived  the  idea  of  running  the 
Hil'lsboro  Expositor,  and  C.  Dalton  and  Bond  established  and  sold 
it  in  1872  to  C.  G.  Shook,  who  sold  it  to  a  joint  stolck  company 
with  L.  J.  Sturgis  as  editor.  Tihe  Peoria  Record,  1874,  Slayers  and 
Wood  editors  and  publishers. 

Limestone  County — Springfield  had  a  Pioneer  issued  from  1853 
to  1860  by  W.  L.  Moody  ,and  J.  L.  Caldwell.  The  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  "was  established  iat  Tehuacama  in  1873  and  edited  by 
J.  B.  Renfro  and  J.  H.  Wiofford;  J.  Dawson  publisher.  The  Groes- 
beck  Clarion,  1874,  Mattison  &  Geonge  publishers ;  changed  to 
Argus,  Mattis'on  &  Frisbie  editors  and  publishers.  The  Weekly 
Kosse  Enterprise,  established  in  1869,  by  W.  C.  Tomlinson  and 
L/.  M.  Openlheiimer. 

Robertsoin  County — 'The  Calvert  Enterprise,  established  in  1869, 
by  W.  C.  Tomlinson  &  Co.  The  Central  Texan,  established  May  30, 
1870,  by  R.  H.  Purdom;  George  Bunck  editor  and  publisher  dn  1874. 
The  Cailvert  Tribune,  1870,  by  I.  B.  Ellison;  in  1871  by  a  Republican 
association,  P.  W.  Hall  and  Mat  Caldwell  editors.  Farm  and  Home, 
an  (agricultural  montihly,  1873,  by  Charles  E.  Brown  &  Co*.  Bre- 
mond  Sentinel,  1874,  B.  W.  Cammer. 

Brazos  Couinty — The  News-Letter,  at  Millidan,  1867,  by  Wm. 
Lambdlin  &  Co.  The  Bryan  News-Letter,  1868-9,  by  Lambdin  & 
Cunningham.  Bryan  Appeal,  established  in  1869  by  Wm.  Lambdin; 
in  1871,  Evans  &  Smith  publishers;  since,  R.  J.  Smith  editor  and 
Goodwin  &  Smith  publishers.  Brazos  Eagle,  1869,  R.  R.  Gilbert 
publisher. 

Washington  County — Nation'al  Register,  a  targe,  elegantly 
printed  and  ably  edlited  paper  was  published  at  Washington  while 
the  government  of  the  Republic  of  Texas  was  there  fr<om  1842  to 

358 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

annexation  in  the  winter  of  1845.  It  was  probably  started  in  1843. 
William  H.  Cushney,  a  first  class  printer  from  Georgia,  was  the 
publisher  and  W.  D.  Miller  the  editor.  It  exerted  much  influence. 
In  1839-'40-1,  Warren  J.  Niles,  of  whom  we  have  hitherto  spoken, 
published  a  sprightly  paper  at  Washington.  The  earlier  papers  of 
Washington  county  having  been  spoken  of,  we  will  enumerate  those 
of  a  later  date:  A  Methodist  weekly  paper,  the  first  in  the  State 
for  this  denomination,  was  published  at  Brenham  about  1846.  Wash- 
ington American,  published  in  1856-7  by  G.  W.  Crawford.  The 
Tex'as  Ranger,  at  B'renham,  1857;  in  September,  1865,  the  office  was 
moved  by  Captain  Joe  Lancaster  to  Niavasota.  The  Brenham  En- 
qilirer,  established  in  1853;  published  in  1867-9  by  D.  H.  Rankin; 
Prof.  J.  A.  Willburn  editor  in  1871.  The  Brenham  Times,  estab- 
lished in  1871  by  J.  P.  M'alone  editor,  and  M'alone  &  AspinwaU 
publishers;  subsequently  by  W.  P.  Doran  editor  aind  Pete  Doyle 
publisher.  The  Southern  Banner,  established  in  1865,  and  after- 
wards revived  in  Miardh,  1867,  by  D.  L.  McGary  and  McGary  & 
Roff,  and  by  J.  G.  Rankin.  The  Texas  Christian  Herald,  at  Inde- 
pendence, in  June,  1865,  by  J.  Lancaster  for  the  executive  committee 
of  the  B'aptist  Association.  The  Intelligencer,  published  semi- 
weekly  by  Rucker  &  Co.  Brenham  News,  1869.  Texas  Volksbote 
(German),  1873,  Henry  Muller. 

Milam  County — The  Milam  Centinel,  1860,  by  E.  H.  Regan.  The 
Cameron  Centinel,  1869,  by  W.  K.  Homian.  The  Miliam  Telegram, 
1870-1,  W.  K.  Homan.  The  Milam  Messenger,  established  at  Rock- 
dale  in  1873,  McGregor  and  James  A.  Muir. 

Falils  County — The  Pioneer,  at  M'arlin,  established  in  1869  by 
R.  F.  Mattison,  Mattison  &  Rime  publishers.  The  Telegram,  estab- 
lished in  1870  by  L.  J.  Goodrich  editor  and  J.  M.  Mattison  and 
B\ailey  publishers.  The  Mer.cury,  established  in  1870,  B.  F.  Gassaway 
editor,  B.  W.  Billings  and  B.  V.  Rimes  publishers.  The  Moving 
Ball,  1874,  by  T.  C.  Oltorf.  The  Miarlin  Telegram,  established 
January,  1872,  by  W.  K.  Homan. 

McLennan  County — Wiaco  Democrat,  February,  1858,  J.  O 
Shook,  who  wias  brutally  s'hot  to  pieces  in  his  own  office  in  1860. 
The  Statesman,  published  in  Waco  in  1857.  The  Southern,  Waco, 
1860.  The1  South  West,  a  mammoth  paper,  printed  on  a  power 
press,  in  October,  1860,  by  W.  H.  Parsons,  advocating  a  re-opening 
of  the  African  slave  trade,  white  supremacy,  dissolution  of  the 
Union,  etc.  The  Waco  Spectator,  May,  1866-7,  by  Parsons  &  De- 
Rossy.  The  Waco  Register,  established  in  1865,  by  F.  L.  Denison 
and  Cooledge  and  continuously  published  by  them  and  Denison  & 

359 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Chase  and  by  W.  R.  Chase,  most  of  the  time  as  a  semi-weekly. 
The  Republican,  in  1867,  by  E.  A.  McKinney.  The  Advance,  estab- 
lished in  1867,  Golled'ge  &  Tomlinson  publishers.  G.  B.  Gerald  editor. 
The  Examiner,  established  in  1867  by  J.  W.  Downs;  in  1869.  by 
Downs  and  R.  A.  Hicks;  1874,  Examiner  and  Patron  by  J.  W. 
Dowmis.  The  Reporter,  1871,  J.  K.  Street  editor  and  proprietor. 

Bbsque  County — The  Meridian  Press,  1869,  by  Bartow  Starr. 
Bosque  County  Herald,  Menidian,  1874,  by  Coon  &  Porter,  and 
Coon,  Thomas  &  Co. 

Hood  County — The  Granbury  Vidette,  established  November 
30,  1872,  by  Bond  &  Garland  publishers;  in  1873,  Garland  &  Lambdin, 
then  Garland'  &  Price. 

Er;ath  County — Texais  Pacific,  Stephenviil'le,  established  No- 
vember, 1871,  by  W.  J.  Brockett.  Western  Argus,  1871.  West- 
ward Empire,  1873,  E.  B.  and  G.  F.  Scott  publishers. 

Comarodhe  County — Chief,  Comandhe,  1873,  G.  A.  Beeman  pub- 
lisher. 

Coryell  County — Frontiersman,  March,  1871,  W.  W.  Patrick 
editor  and  publisher.  Sun,  Gatesville,  established  in  1870,  J.  M. 
Vandiver  editor,  Wells  &  Smith  publishers;  1874,  H.  N.  Atkinson 
&  Schiley. 

Lampasas  County — Charles  A.  Woolridge  published  a  paper  at 
Lampasas  in  1859-'60.  Dispatch,  Lampasas,  established  1871,  W.  S. 
Douglas  editor  and  proprietor;  1872,  Melton  and  H.  D.  Barren; 
1874,  W.  P.  Beale  editor,  Robert  E.  Owen  publisher. 

Bin-net  Coun,t3'— Bulletin,  1883,  George  Whitaker.  Advertiser, 
1874,  Johnson  &  Hammond,  an  advertising  sheet. 

Bell  County— The  Belton  Independent,  established  in  1859,  E.  W. 
Kinnan  editor;  an  ably  conducted  paper  devoted  to  Houston,  the 
Constitution  and  the  Union.  The  editor  was  forced  to  leave  the 
country  in  1861,  made  hlis  way  through  Mexico,  .reached  New  York, 
and  then  went  to  Indiana  wlhere  he  was  appointed  a  lieutenant  in 
the  Federal  service.  He  died  during  the  War.  His  wife,  at  last 
accounts,  was  in  Ohio.  The  Belton  Democrat,  John  Henry  Brown 
editor  and  proprietor,  established  in  1859  and  continued  till  1861 
when  Brown  went  into  the  Indian  Territory  as  a  major  in  Mc- 
Culloch's  command.  The  Intelligencer,  published  in  1869,  E.  T. 
Rucker  and  Ludilow.  The  Journal,  established  in  October,  1867, 
J.  G.  Batte  editor;  in  1869,  J.  H.  Davenport  and  Tom  Longino  editors 
and  publishers;  1870,  J.  H.  Davenport  and  A.  C.  Ramsey;  weekly 
and  semi-weekly.  Belton  Review,  1874,  L.  C.  Alexander  editor,  J.  T. 
Longino  &  Co.  publishers. 

360 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Williamson  County — The  Georgetown  Independent  in  1857.  The 
Watchman,  established  in  Jiainuary,  1867,  W.  H.  Henderson  and 
W.  M.  Miakemson;  and  in  1869,  published  by  W.  K.  Foster  and 
Makemson.  Williamson  County  Record,  established  by  W.  K.  Foster 
in  1872;  T.  A.  Stone  for  'a  few  months  was  connected  with  him  in 
its  publication.  Round  Rock  Sentinel,  1861,  Nat  Q.  Henderson. 
Georgetown  Sentinel,  1872,  and  discontinued  in  1873.  Democrat, 
1874,  A.  S.  Reed  editor,  W.  K.  Foster  publisher. 

Travis  County— The  Austin  Gazette  of  1839,  and  The  Texas 
Centinel,  established  January,  1840,  having  already  been  sketched, 
I  will  briefly  .refer  to  other  papers.  When  the  government  w&s  re- 
established at  Austin  Wm.  Cushney  revived  The  Gazette  and  sub- 
sequently associated  J.  Wade  Hampton  of  South  Carolina  with  him 
as  its  editor  and  publisher.  Washington  O.  Miller  also  for  a  time 
edited  The  Gazette.  He  immigrated  from  Alabama  in  1839,  was  an 
accomplished  scholar,  settled  first  at  Gonzaleis,  was  elected  to  the 
Congress  of  the  Republic  in  1840-1,  'and  at  the  close  of  the  session 
became  private  secretary  to  President  Houston  who  esteemed  him 
highly.  After  annexation  he  was  secretary  of  state,  after  which 
he  retired  to  ;a  farm  near  Austin,  residing  with  and  sustaining  a 
widowed  slister  until  he  died  greatly  lamented.  He  added  lustre  to 
the  editorial  profession.  In  the  language  of  the  lamented  O/chiltree, 
applied  to  another,  "His  soul  sprang  from  God,  full  of  honor  and 
despising  meanness."  Cushney  and  Hampton  both  died  and  were 
buried  at  Austin.  The  name  of  The  Gazette  has  long  been  familiar 
at  Austin.  The  State  Gazette  of  more  modern  days  was  run  froim 
1854  till  1861,  and  its  most  prominent  owners  and  publishers  were 
Major  John  Marshall,  Dr.  Joseph  M.  Steiner,  Williamson  S.  Old- 
ham,  all  of  -whom  are  now  dead.  They  were  men  of  energy,  appli- 
cation and  ability,  and  widely  known  as  active  organization  Demo- 
cratic partisans.  During  the  War  the  paper  for  a  time  was  sus- 
pended. In  June,  1863,  it  was  taken  hold  of  by  D.  Richardson  who 
continued  it  until  a  year  after  the  break-up.  He  -combined  it  with 
The  Texas  Almanac,  a  sort  of  war  sheet,  which  he  had  been  run- 
ning occasionally  from  an  office  in  Austin.  In  1865,  Holland  &  Co. 
were  the  publishers.  In  1866,  it  'was  sold  to  Jo  Walker  and  Nat  C. 
Raymond  who  edited  it.  Jo  Walker  published  it  in  1867,  and  in 
1868-9  it  was  published  by  Walker  &  Lane.  The  office  was  sold 
to1  the  leading  Republicans  at  Austin,  who  were  after  "chicken  pie," 
and  the  type  was  put  to  use  publishing  articles  counteracting  those 
of  the  past.  After  a  time  another  office  was  purchased  and  a  State 
Gazette  agaiin  entered  the  list  under  the  guidance  of  John  D.  El- 

361 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

liott,  Victor  W.  Thompson,  et  -al.,  and  Colonel  Elliott  continued  to 
publish  The  State  Ga/ette  daily,  tri-weekly  and  weekly.  The  Texas 
State  Times  a  large  and  fine  appearing  paper  was  issued  in  1855-6 
by  the  American  party  and  -nobly  advocated  the  cause.  Colonel  John 
S.  Ford  was  its  principal  editor;  W.  D.  Cleveland,  J.  H.  Herndon 
and  others  contributed  to  its  columns.  The  Texas  Sentinel  suc- 
ceeded The  State  Times  in  1857-8-9,  under  th<e  editorial  management 
of  Judge  Fenlton  M.  Gibson;  P.  W.  Humphreys  and  A.  C.  Compton 
its  publishers  and  business  managers.  It  was  an  aibly  conducted 
journal  and  had  several  strong  contributors.  Humphreys  was  an 
old  Texan,  belonging  to  the  old  Texas  navy,  was  originally  from 
Kentucky,  a  warm-hearted  man.  Judge  Gibson  was  one  of  nature's 
noblemen,  well  educated,  brave  and  generous.  He  caime  to  Texas 
at  an  early  date,  was  one  of  'the  ill  fated  Somerville  expedition, 
a  Mtier  prisoiner,  of  all  which  he  wrote  a  most  interesting  account. 
He  died  some  years  since,  I  believe  at  Richmond.  In  1856,  The 
Southern  Intelligencer  was  started  by  Baker  &  Root,  George  W 
Paschal  chief  editor.  It  acquired  a  wide  circulation  and  in  the 
contest  of  1857  took  bold  ground  against  the  convention  system. 
Baker  and  Root  were  good  printers  and  Paschal  was  an  able 
writer.  Baker  died  about  1859.  Root  is  now  publishing  a  paper 
in  Alabama.  A.  B.  Norton  became  proprietor,  having  Miner,  Lam- 
bert and  Perry  as  publishers.  The  Intelligencer  contributed  much 
to  the  election  of  General  Sam  Houston  as  governor,  and  during 
his  administration  sustaining  his  policy.  A.  B.  Norton  was  then 
its  editor  and  publisher,  advocating  the  Union  cause  during  the 
exciting  days  of  1860-1.  Joel  Miner  who  has  already  been  spoken 
of  as  one  of  the  early  printers,  went  to  Florida,  thence  to  New 
England,  and  from  there  to  Iowa,  and  finally  returned  to  Texas 
spending  several  months  with  me  at  the  Owl's  Nest  in  1875.  Robert 
J.  Lambert,  a  good  printer  and  a  brave  young  man,  became  a  Con- 
federate soldier  and  was  killed  during  the  War. 

It  becomes  necessary  to  seek  a  more  "healthful"  latitude.  Nor- 
ton made  hiis  way  through  the  lines,  having  first,  to  avoid1  suspicion, 
arranged  for  continuing  the  publication  of  The  Intelligencer,  and 
February  22,  1862,  it  ceased  to  exist.  After  the  return  of  peace  The 
Intelligencer  again  appeared,  in  1866-7,  with  Brown  &  Foster  as 
publishers.  It  was,  in  the  fall  of  1867,  disposed  of  to  a  company 
of  Republicans  and  The  Austin  Republican  made  its  appearance; 
A.  H.  Longley  &  Co>.  were  its  publishers  for  about  two  years;  it 
ceased  to  exist  about  1871.  The  State  Journal,  a  Republican  paper, 
was  established  (in  1870,  by  Tracy,  Seimering  &  Co.,  and  continued 

362 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

as  a  spirited  daily,  tri-weekly  and  semi-weekly  until  1873  under  the 
style  of  Jas.  P.  Newcomb  •&  Co.,  when  it  ceased  to  exist.  J.  G. 
Tracy,  E.  H.  Quick,  E.  M.  Wheelock,  J.  P.  Newcomb  and  Stanley 
Welch  were  its  principal  editors  during-  its  existence.  The  Rambler, 
a  literary  paper,  was  published  in  1859-60  by  Carletan.  The  Plow 
Boy,  an  agricultural  journal,  in  1868,  by  Nat  C.  Raymond.  The 
Record,  an  independent,  family  newspaper,  in  1868-9,  -by  Jas.  A.  Fos- 
ter. The  Democratic  Statesman  was  established  in  1871  by  an  as- 
sociation of  printers  and  managers  by  Anthony  Deffenbaugh  &  Bros. 
Anthony  Deffenbaugh  came  to  Texas  from  Ohio  as  a  soldier  in  the 
Revolutionary  struggle;  he  was  a  good  printer,  having  for  long 
years  worked  at  San  Antonio  and  in  western  Texas.  The  office 
was  disposed  of  about  1872,  and  continued  by  The  Statesman  Pub- 
lishing Company.  In  1873  it  appeared  under  the  management  of 
John  Caldwell  &  Co.,  publishers.  The  Commonwealth,  1873,  by 
G.  W.  Honey  and  S.  A.  Posey,  Texas  Staats  Zeitung,  German, 
Republican  paper,  established  in  1873,  German  Publishing  Co.,  editors 
and  publishers.  Vorwaerts,  German,  Austin,  established  in  1871, 
Julius  Schutze  editor  and  proprietor.  The  Ix>ne  Star  Ranger,  es- 
tablished in  1848,  J.  Lancaster  editor  and  proprietor;  moved  from 
Navasota  to  Austin  in  1874. 

Bastrop  County — The  Bastrop  Advertiser  was  established  March 
16,  1853,  by  Wm.  J.  Cain,  then  from  Aberdeen,  Mississippi.  Its 
publication  was1  continued  till  after  secession,  during  all  of  which 
time  he  advocated  Whig  and  American  principles  and  the  Union 
cause.  After  the  War  terminated,  the  paper  was  revived  and  in 
1867  it  was  published  by  W.  J.  and  T.  C.  Cain  and  has  since  been 
a  conservative  or  Democratic  journal.  W.  J.  Cain  became  captain 
of  a  company  froim  Bastrop  and  was  captured  at  Aransas  Port. 
Disease  incurred  in  the  service  eventually  caused  his  death.  He 
was  for  a  time  connected  with  tire  publication  of  the  Texas  Christian 
Advocate,  and  also  with  The  State  Gazette.  His  fa>mii,ly  re- 
sides in  Bastrop  and  his  brother,  T.  C.  Cain,  now  publishes  The 
Advertiser.  We  have  never  had  in  our  fraternity  a  braver,  truer 
Mend,  a  man  of  purer  thoughts,  or  a  more  worthy,  industrious, 
upright  gentleman  than  W.  J.  Cain  of  Bastrop.  The  Christian 
Philanthropist,  by  Dr.  Kendrick,  was  published  monthly  in  1867; 
devoted  to  religious  topics.  Dr.  Kendrick  was  one  of  the  most 
learned  and  eloquent  ministers  in  Texas.  The  Bastrop  Chronicle 
was  published  in  1873  as  a  Republican  and  educationail  journal  by 
Henry  Muller.  The  D'eutsche  Zeitung,  German,  established  in  1873, 
by  Henry  Muller  and  Von  Boeckman. 

363 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Lee  County— The  Giddings  Tribune,  1874,  J.  W.  Bell  editor  and 
publisher. 

Fayette  County— The  True  Issue,  1858,  by  J.  J.  Gossler;  1860, 
Rives.  La  Grange  New  Era.  States  Rights  Democrat  (or 
"Snakes,"  as  called  from  its  figure  head),  established  in  1859,  V.  W. 
Thompson.  New  Era,  commenced  August  18,  1865,  N.  C.  and 
W.  C.  Rives;  James  W.  Matthews  succeeded  as  editor;  1874,  J.  J. 
Gossler.  States  Rights  Democrat,  V.  W.  Thompson,  1867-9-70, 
and  then  moved  to  Austin.  Fayette  County  Record,  1873,  D.  C. 
Gregory. 

Colorado  County — The  Citizen  was  established  in  1857  by  the 
Baker  Bros.,  who  conducted  it  ably  and  successfully  until  the  War 
began.  It  -was  re-established  in  1869  by  Ben  Baker  and  edited  by 
F.  Barnard;  in  1871,  edited  by  Wells,  Thompson  &  McCormack. 
The  South,  May  18,  1865,  by  Baker  and  Morris.  The  Times  was 
published  'by  Jas.  W.  Daniels  in  1869  and  by  G.  T.  Lessing  in  1870. 

Miatagorda  County — Its  first  paper  heretofore  mentioned,  sub- 
sequently The  Gazette,  was  published  at  Matagorda  in  1859-'60,  till 
in  1861  when  it  was  discontinued;  no  paper  issued  there  since  the 
War.  Edward  J.  Gilbert,  an  Englishman,  published  a  paper  at 
Matagorda  in  1845-6.  He  moved  to  Bexar  county  and  was  a  very 
worthy  man. 

Lavaca  County — The  Hallettsville  Lone  Star,  in  1860-1.  The 
H:erald  and  Planter,  at  Halkttsville,  in  1872.  S.  Lee  Kyis  edi-tor 
and  proprietor. 

Viictoria    County — The    Advocate,    established    in    1846    by    John 

D.  Logan  and   Thomas    Sterne,   was   the   first  paper  published   west 
of  the    Colorado   river   in   Texas.     It  was   sold  to   S.   A.   White   and 
continued  by  him  till  after  secession;   revived  in   1865  and  published 
by  him  till  iln  1869,  then  published  by  Boon  &  Rose;  White  &  Boon, 
1870;  F.  R.   Pridham  editor  in  1873,  and  succeeded  by  J.  A.  McNeil. 
The   Victoria    Democrat,    a   German   paper,   also   published  by   S.    A. 
White  for  several!  years  before  the  War,  discontinued  in   1867;   1873, 

E.  D.    Linn    editor   and   McNeil    &   Singiser   publishers.      Rev.    A.    J. 
McGowan    published    a    Cumberland    Presbyterian    paper    ait    Victoria 
in    1846. 

Calhoun  County — The  first  Indianola  Bulletin  was  issued  in 
January,  1852,  John  Henry  Brown  editor  and  R.  C.  Brady  pub- 
lisher. It  was  continued  by  them  till  1854,  when  the  publisher's 
health  failed  and  Brown  went  upon  the  Galveston  Civilian  as  as- 
sistant of  Hamilton  Stuart.  Indianola  Bulletin,  1867;  in  1876,  C.  A. 
Ogsbury  issued  it  semi-weekly  and  continued  it  as  a  weekly. 

364 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Indianola  Times  was  started  in  December,  1865;  edited  and  pub- 
lished by  S.  A.  Benton  at  $5.00  per  annum.  Indianola  Courier,  dis- 
continued in  1861.  Gulf  Key,  Lavaca,  1859  till  in  1861.  Lavaca 
Commercial,  J.  D.  Elliott  editor  and  proprietor,  in  1866  D.  B.  Free- 
man &  Co.,  1867;  H.  S.  Thrall,  1869. 

Aransas  County— The  Rockport  Transcript,  1869,  C.  F.  '  Bailey 
editor  and  publisher. 

Refugio  County — The  Vaquero,  by  Bailey  and  G.  A.  Beeman, 
at  St.  Mary's. 

Goliad  County — The  Goliad  Express,  1857,  by  A.  M.  Wigginton. 
The  M>es.senger,  1859-'60.  The  Guard,  published  by  R.  W.  Davis 
in  1869;  in  1870,  by  Davis  &  King;  1874,  by  Davis  &  Tally.  The 
Intelligencer,  in  1869,  by  R.  W.  Pierce. 

DeWitt  County — The  Clinton  Times.  The  Cuero  Star,  1873, 
James  H.  Tucker  editor  and  publisher. 

Gonzales  County — The  Inquirer  was  established  at  Gonzales  in 
1854,  and  under  the  management  of  S.  W.  Smith  from  1857  to  1861  it 
became  influential  with  its  party.  After  the  War  it  was  revived 
and  continued  by  S.  W.  Smith.  The  South  Western  Index  was  es- 
tablished in  1869,  W.  D.  Cook  editor,  R.  H.  Small  publisher. 

Caldwell  County — The  Lockhart  Watchman  was  published  by 
E.  H.  Rogan  from  1857  till  in  1861.  The  Plow  Boy,  in  1869,  by 
N.  C.  Raymond  &  Co.  The  Texas  Digest,  at  Lockhart,  in  1871, 
by  W.  D.  Cory.  The  News  Echo,  in  1872-3,  W.  C.  Bowen  and 
W.  F.  Farris,  editors  and  publishers;  in  1874,  by  Steele  &  Bridges. 

Hays  County1 — The  Pioneer  at  San  Marcos,  by  George  H. 
Snyder,  in  1869.  The  West  Texas  Free  Press,  established  in  1871, 
by  Isaac  H.  Julian.  San  Marcos  Times,  1871,  F.  G.  Manlove  editor, 
W.  K.  Hallums  publisher. 

Blanco  County — The  West  Texas  Republican,  at  Blanco,  by 
Francis  Sternburg,  in  1872-3. 

San  Saba  County— Weekly  News,  established  in  1874,  W.  T. 
Melton  and  J.  Frazer  Brown  editors  and  proprietors. 

Gillespie  County — The  Sentimel,  at  Frederlicks'burg,  in  1874,  by 
Callain  and  Hunt. 

Carnal  County — The  Zeitung,  established  at  New  Braunfels,  in 
1852,  and  published  the  greater  part  of  -the  time  since  by  M. 
Lindheimer;  Eiband  succeeded  as  editor  and  publisher. 

Guadalupe  County — The  Mercury,  at  Seguin,  by  M.  S.  Dunn, 
1857  to  1861.  The  Southern  Confederacy,  Seguin,  1860-1.  The 
Seguin  Journal,  in  1869,  by  Wright  &  Bro.  The  Western  Texan. 
Tthe  Times,  1870,  Wright  &  Stephenson. 

365 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Bexar  County — At  San  Antonio:  The  Western  Texan,  1860, 
Henry  Lewis  editor,  Nat  Lewis  and  John  D.  Groesbeck  proprietors. 
•The  Public  Ledger,  1852,  Walker  &  Vanderlipe.  The  Herald  was 
established  at  San  Anitonio  in  1854;  during  the  greater  part  of  its 
existence  it  has  been  published  by  John  D.  Logan  and  his  asso- 
ciates. In  1859-'60,  the  firm  was  Palmer,  Logan  &  Sweet;  in  1873, 
J.  D.  Logan  and  J.  Y.  Dashiel;  in  1874,  Herald  Publishing  Company. 
News,  1861.  The  Ledger  was  published  in  1857  by  Da&hiel;  in  1867 
J.  M.  Smith  issued  tfhe  Ledger  tri-weekly.  The  Texan,  1857.  Af- 
ter 'the  Herald  united  its  fortunes  with  the  secessionists,  it  was  de- 
termined -by  the  friends  of  Governor  Houston  and  the  Union  that 
tihere  should  be  another  paper  started  and  they  procured  fronn  The 
Intelligencer,  at  Austin,  another  press  and  outfit  and  The  Alamo 
Express  was  started,  J.  P.  Newcomb  editor  and  publisher.  The 
Alamo  Express  was  vigorous  and  caustic,  and  a  secession  mob, 
inflamed  thereat,  surrounded  the  building,  which  belonged  to  Nat 
Lewis,  and  burned  it,  with  the  office,  to  the  ground.  The  San 
Antonio  Express,  established  in  1866,  edited  by  A.  Siemering;  J.  P. 
Newcomb,  in  1872;  J.  W.  Vanslyck,  C.  C.  Gillespie,  in  1873.  The 
Frie  Press  (German),  A.  Siemerirug  &  Pollmar.  The  Texas  Staats 
Zekung,  a  German  paper,  was  started  in  1852  by  August  Oswold 
and  edited  (by  Dr.  Douai — of  which,  and  other  papers  and  editors 
at  San  Antonio,  we  shall  have  more  to  say  hereafter.  The  Evening 
Star,  daily  and  weekly,  E.  M.  Wheelock.  El  Mexicana  de  Texas, 
established  in  1868,  Calisto  Munez  editor  and  proprietor,  Marcial 
Padilla  publisher.  The  Freie  Presse  for  Texas,  established  in  1865, 
A.  Siemering  &  Co. 

Atascosa  County — The  Stock  Growers'  Journal,  at  Pleasanton, 
by  J.  D.  Logan  &  Co.;  in  1874,  Johnson  &  Lawhon  editors,  Law- 
hon  &  Bro.,  publishers. 

Bee    County — The    Beeville    Journal. 

Live  Oak  County — The  Oakville  Tribune,  1874,  W.  C.  Bowen 
and  L.  P.  Lawley  editors  and  proprietors. 

Nueces  County — The  Nueces  Valley,  at  Corpus  Christi,  in  1857, 
by  Somers  Kinney.  The  Nueces  Valley,  established  in  1869;  pub- 
lished in  1871  by  C.  G.  E.  Drummond.  The  Valley  Times,  1869, 
Horace  Taylor  editor,  Charles  A.  Beeman  publisher.  Advertiser, 
1866,  iby  H.  A.  Maltby.  Gazette,  established  in  1873,  H.  A.  Maltby 
editor,  Jaimes  R.  Barnard  &  Son  publishers.  The  Convention,  1867. 

Cameron  County — The  Rio  Grande  Sentinel,  1866,  by  E.  B.  Scar- 
borough. Fort  Brown  Flag,  1859-'60-1.  The  Ranchero,  established 
October  22,  1859,  by  S.  Kinney  and  H.  S.  Gallup;  in  1867,  Maltby 

366 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

&  Kinney;  in  1869,  H.  A.  Maltby;  since  1869,  The  Ranchero  and 
Republican,  as  sltyled  in  1865,  Joel  Mansur  editor  and  publisher. 
The  Sentinel,  1868,  John  S.  Ford  editor;  James  Dougherty  subse- 
quently editor  and  publisher.  Rio  Grande  Courier,  1867,  E.  P. 
Claud  on-  &  Co.  Rio  Grande  Democrat,  1874,  :by  Democratic  Club, 
H.  A.  Maltby  business  manager. 

Webb  County — The  Two  Eagles,  at  Laredo,  in  1872,  James  S. 
Tucker,  editor  and  publisher. 

El  Paso  County— El  Paso  Gazette,  1860,  by  S.  Hart.  Sentinel, 
by  A.  J.  Fountain,  succeeded  by  Lewis  Cardis,  and  then  by  S.  Hart, 
in  1873,  under  whose  treatment  it  died.  A.  J.  Fountain,  after  serv- 
ing as  a  senator,  ileft  when  the  Davis  administration  was  overthrown 
and  settled  at  Mesilla,  New  Mexico,  where  he  now  lives. 


367 


REGULAR    NEWSPAPERS    PUBLISHED    IN    TEXAS    IN    1857, 

IN  THE  GREAT  CAMPAIGN  BETWEEN  HOUSTON 

AND   RUNNELS. 


First    Congressional    District. 

Messenger,  Woodville,  Tyler  County;  Star  Spangled  Banner, 
Henderson,  Rusk  County;  Sentinel,  Rusk,  Cherokee  County;  Re- 
porter, Tyler,  Smith  County;  Advocate,  Pales-tine,  Anderson  County; 
American,  Palestine,  Anders'on  County;  Herald,  Dallas,  Dallas 
County;  Gazette,  Liberty,  Liberty  County;  Printer,  Crockett,  Hous- 
ton County;  Chronicle,  Nacogdoches,  Nacogdoches  Counity;  En- 
quirer, Rusk,  Cherokee  County;  Democrat,  Henderston  County; 
Republican,  Marshall,  Harrison  County;  Harrison  Flag,  Marshall, 
Harrison  County;  Heraild,  Jefferson,  Marion  County;  Standard, 
Clarksville,  Red  River  County;  M-essenger,  Clarksville,  Red  River 
Counity;  Advertiser,  Bonham,  Fannin  County;  Enquirer,  Paris,  La- 
mar  County;  Frontier  Patriot,  Paris,  Lamar  County. 

Total:  7  American,  12  Democrat,  and  1  Independent.  All  pa- 
pers in  the  first  district  were  weekly. 

Second  Congressional  District — Western  Texas. 

Telegraph,  Houston;  Reporter,  Richmond;  Enquirer,  Brenham; 
Democrat,  Columbia;  Central  Texan,  Anderson;  Watchman,  Lock- 
hart;  Herkld,  L'avaca;  Prairie  Blade.  Corsicana:  Advocate.  Victoria; 
Inquirer,  Gonzales;  Bayou  City,  Houston;  Ranger,  Washington; 
American,  Washington;  Item,  Huntsville;  State  Gazette,  Austin; 
Intelligencer,  Austin;  Advertiser,  Bastrop;  Bulletin,  Indianola:  Ex- 
press, Goliad;  Mercury,  Seguin;  Texan,  San  Antonio;  Herald,  San 
Antonio;  Zeitung,  San  Antonio;  True  Issue,  La  Grange;  Flag, 
Brownsville;  Nueces  Valley,  Corpus  Christi;  News,  Galveston; 
Die  Union,  Galveston;  Port  Folio,  Galveston;  Zeitung,  New  Braun- 
fels;  Chronicle,  Matagorda;  Leon  Pioneer,  Centerville;  Statesman, 
Wado;  Civilian,  Galveston;  Confederate,  Galveston;  Texan  Baptist, 
Anderson;  Presbyterian,  Huntsville;  Christian  Advocate,  Methodist, 
Galveston. 

Of  the  above,  27  were  Democratic,  6  American,  2  Independent, 
1  Literary.  The  Houston  Telegraph  and  Galveston  News  were 
weekly  amd  tri-weekly;  The  Galveston  Civilian  and  The  Confederate 
were  weekly  and  semi-weekly. 

368 


PAPERS  PUBLISHED  IN  1862. 


During  the  War  of  the  Rebellion,  the  greater  part  of  the 
newspapers  suspended.  The  following  it  is  believed  comprises 
the  names  of  all  the  papers  that  were  published  in  January, 
1862,  viz : 

In  the  East  and  North — San  Augustine  Express,  Palestine  Ad- 
vocate, Tyiler  Reporter,  Marshall  Republican,  Jefferson  Herald  and 
Gazette,  Clarksville  Standard,  Paris  Press,  Paris  Advocate,  Sherman 
Texian,  McKinney  Messenger,  Weatherford  Whiteman,  Dallas 
Herald. 

In  the  West  and  South — Huntsville  Item,  Galveston  News,  Gal- 
veston  Civilian,  Houston  Telegraph,  Bellville  Countryman,  Wash- 
ington Ranger,  Waco  South  West,  Norton's  Southern  Intelligencer, 
State  Gazette,  San  Antonio  Herald,  San  Antonio  News,  Goliad  Mes- 
senger, Victoria  Advocate,  Gonzales  Inquirer,  Seguin  Confederacy, 
Fort  Brown  Flag. 

The  number  soon  dwindled  down  to  eight  or  ten,  and 
scarcely  any  of  them  kept  consecutive  issues.  The  value  of 
printing  paper  became  obvious  to  all ;  and  some  papers  of 
the  period  were  published  on  fool's  cap  paper,  wrapper  paper, 
tea  paper,  and  wall  paper — paper  of  every  shade  and  hue  was 
used,  being  bought  at  enormous  war  prices.  Bulletins  were 
issued  upon  scraps  of  every  kind,  and  people,  thirsting  and 
famishing  for  news,  were  mighty  glad  to  get  anything  of 
printed  character. 


369 


PAPERS  PUBLISHED  IN  1867. 


After  the  War  terminated,  newspapers  multiplied  and 
increased  and  in  1867  the  following  regularly  published  news- 
papers were  in  existence  within  the  limits  of  the  first  and 
second  Congressional  Districts : 

In  East  Texas. 

Liberty  Gazette,  Dem.,  T.  J.  Chambers,  Liberty;  Crockett  Sen- 
tinel, De,m.,  A.  D.  Elam  &  Co.,  Crockett;  Argus,  Dem.,  Joe  A.  and 
E.  M.  Kirgan,  Livingston;  Red  Land  Express,  Dem.,  McClanahan 
&  Pluckett,  San  Augustine;  Nacogdoches  Chronicle,  Dem.,  Win. 
Clark,  Nacogdoches;  Trinity  News,  Dem.,  W.  F.  Hamilton  &  Co., 
Palestine,  Trinity  Advocate,  Dem.,  McClure  &  Ewing,  Palestine; 
Henderson  Times,  Dem.,  J.  M.  Dod'son,  Henderson;  Texas  Ob- 
server, Dem.,  D.  A.  Veitch  and  L.  H.  Reed,  Rusk;  Harrison  Flag; 
Dem.,  W.  G.  Barrett,  Marshall;  Texas  Republican,  Dem.,  R.  W. 
Loughery,  Marshall;  Jimplecute,  Dem.,  Taylor  &  Morgan,  Jefferson; 
Norton's  Union  Intelligencer,  Rep.,  Jefferson;  Clarion,  Dem.,  Jef- 
ferson; Times,  Dem.,  R.  W.  Loughery  and  A.  D.  McCutdhen, 
Jefferson;  Christian,  Dem.,  Jefferson;  Christian  Companion,  Bapt.,  J.  R. 
Clark,  Jefferson;  Jefferson  Register,  Presb.,  Carper  &  Chadwick, 
Jefferson;  Sentinel,  Gilmer;  Tribune,  Irvin  Cowsar,  Gilmer;  Quitman 
Clipper,  A.  P.  and  E.  D.  Shuford,  Quitman;  Reporter,  Dem.,  W.  F. 
Hamilton  &  Co.,  Tyler;  Journal!,  Tyler;  National  Index,  Rep.,  Tyler; 
Paris  Press,  Rep.,  F.  W.  Miner,  Paris;  Texas  Star,  Dem.,  H.  W. 
Kyser,  Kaufman;  McKinney  Enquirer,  Dem.,  Gresham  &  Murray, 
McKinney;  McKinney  Messenger,  Rep.,  J.  W.  Thomas,  McKinney; 
Times,  Dem.,  Weather-ford;  Herald,  Dem.,  J.  W.  Swindells,  Dallas. 

In  Western  Texas. 

News,  Dem.,  W.  Richardson  &  Co.,  Galveston;  Civilian  and 
Gazette,  Dem.,  H.  Stuart,  Galveston;  Bulletin,  Dem.,  Ferdinand 
Flake,  Galveston;  Herald,  Bapt.,  Rev.  J.  B.  Link,  Houston;  Tele- 
graph, Dem.,  Rev.  C.  C.  Gillespie,  Houston;  Journal,  Dem.,  Diamond, 
Purdom  &  Co.,  Houston;  Merchants'  Transcript,  Dem.,  W  N. 
Bryant  &  Co.,  Houston;  Christian  Advocate,  Meth.,  I.  D.  John, 
Houston;  Signal,  Dem.,  Ed  Bailey,  Richmond;  Texas  Country-man, 
Dem.,  J.  P.  Osterhout,  Bellville;  New  Era,  Dem.,  N.  C.  and  W.  B. 
Rives,  La  Grange;  Bastrop  Advertiser,  Dem.,  W.  J.  and  T.  C.  Cain, 

370 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Bastrop;  States  Rights  Democrat,  Dem.,  Victor  W.  Thompson,  La 
Grange;  Christian  Philanthropist,  Religious,  Dr.  C.  Kendrick,  Bas- 
trop; Colorado  Citizen,  Dem.,  J.  D.  Baker  &  Brtos.,  Columbus; 
Brenham  Enquirer,  Dem.,  D.  H.  Rankin,  Brenham;  Southern  Banner, 
Dem.,  Me  Gary  &  Roff,  Brenham;  Texas  Ranger,  Dem.,  Jos.  Lan- 
caster, Navasota;  Semi-Weekly  Register,  Rep.,  Denison  &  Chase, 
Waco;  Republican,  Dem.,  E.  A.  McKinney,  Waco;  Item,  Dem., 
George  Ro>binson,  Huntsville;  Central  Texas  Record,  Dem.,  W. 
Lam'bert,  Aniders-on  (Grimes  County);  Southern  Intelligencer,  Rep., 
Brown  &  Foster,  Austin;  State  Gazette,  Dem.,  Joe  Walker,  Austin; 
Inquirer,  Dem.,  S.  W.  Smith,  Gonzales;  Intelligencer,  Dem.,  R.  W. 
Pierce,  Goliad;  Zeitung  (German),  Dem.,  M.  Lindheimer,  New 
Braunfels;  Western  Texian,  Dem.,  Seguin;  Pioneer,  Dem.,  J.  More- 
land,  Fairfieldi;  Observer,  Dem.,  Dan  Donaldson,  Corsicana;  Com- 
mercial, Dem.,  D.  B.  Freeman  &  Co.,  Lavaca  County;  Times,  Dem., 
S.  A.  Benton,  Indianola  (Calhoun  County);  Advocate,  Dem.,  James 
S.  Ferguson,  Victoria;  Advertiser,  Dem.,  W.  H.  Maltby,  Corpus 
Christi;  Ledger,  Dem.,  T.  M.  and  W.  J.  Smith,  San  Antonio;  Herald, 
Dem.,  Logan  &  Sweet,  San  Antonio;  Express,  Rep.,  Siemering  & 
Pollmar,  San  Antonio;  Freie  Presse,  German,  Siemering  &  Pollmar, 
San  Antonio;  Rio>  Grande  Courier,  Dem.,  E.  R.  Claudon  &  Co., 
Brownsville;  Rancihero,  Dem.,  Maltby  &  Kinney,  Brownsville;  Times, 
Dem.,  Brownsville;  Lone  Star,  Dem.,  Navasota;  Convention,  Dem., 
Corpus  Christi. 

Summary  for  East  Texas — Democratic,  21;  Republican,  6;  Re- 
ligious, 2.  No  daily,  and  only  one  semi-weekly,  The  Jimplecute. 

Summary  for  West  Texas — Democratic,  37;  Republican,  3;  Reli- 
gious, 3.  Dailies:  Telegraph  and  Journal,  Galvesto.n  Civilian  and 
Gazette,  Galveston  News,  Flake's  Bulletin,  Brownsville  Courier  and 
Ranchero,  San  Antonio  Herald.  Semi-Weekly:  Waco  Register. 
Tri- Weekly:  Staite  Gazette,  San  Antonio  Ledger,  Galveston  News, 
Galveston  Civilian  and  Gazette,  Flake's  Bulletin,  Houston  Telegraph, 
Houston  Journal. 


371 


ROSTER  OF   THE  TEXAS   PRESS,  JANUARY,   1875. 


Anderson — Home  Journal,  Joe  A.  Kirgan. 

Athens — Bulletin,   C.  W.  Hutchinson;   Farmer  and  Granger,  Mrs.  A. 
E.  Hutchinson. 

Austin — State  Gazette,  J.  D.  Elliott;  Democratic  Statesman;  Caldwell 
&  Walker;   Staatz  Bulletin,  C.  Von  BiO'eckman  &  Son. 

Bastrop — Advertiser,  T.   C.   Cain. 

Brenham — Volksblatt,   Henry  Muller;   Banner,  John   G.   Rankin. 

Belton — Journal,  J.   G.   Bates,   Review. 

Bonham — News,  W.  T.  Gass;  Nortih  (Texas)  Enterprise,  Tom  R. 
Burnett. 

Brownsville — Democrat  (English  and  Spanish),  Democratic  Com- 
mittee; Ranchero,  J.  I,.  Mansur. 

Bryan — Appeal,   Goodwin   &  Smith. 

Bremond — Sentinel,    R.    R.    Gilbert. 

Burnet — Bulletin. 

Calvert — Central  Texas  (Texan),  J.  W.  Billington  &  Co.;  Farm  and 
Home,  C.  E.  Brown  &  Co. 

Clarksville— Standard,   Charles  DeMorse;  Times,   E.   P.  Rutherford. 

Cleburne — Chronicle,  J.  W.  Graves. 

Comanche — Chief,   Beeman   &  Hill. 

Corpus  Christi — Valley  Times,  H.  Taylor  &  Beeman;  Gazette,  Jas. 
R.  Bernard  &  Son. 

Corsicana — Observer,   R.   A.   Van   Horn. 

Columbus — Citizen,    Ben    Baker. 

Crockett — East  Texas   Herald,  Leaverton   &  Ledwith. 

Cuero — Star. 

Dallas — Union  Intelligencer,  A.  B.  Norton;  Herald,  J.  W.  Swindells; 
Commercial,  G.  A.  Cutler. 

Decatur — Advance-Guard,    Stanfield    &    Robinson. 

Denison — News,    B.   C.   Murray;   Times,    N.    R.    Baker. 

Denton— Monitor,   C.  W.   Geers;   Review,   Geo.   R.  Teed. 

Ennis — Argus,  J.  C.  Rushing. 

Fort  Worth — Democrat,  B.  B.  Paddock;  Standard,  J.  K.  Millican. 

Fredericksburg — Sentinel,    Wach  tenblat. 

Galveston — News,  Richardson,  Belo  &  Co.,  Civilian;  W.  P.  Pascoe; 
Christian  Advocate,  Advocate  Publishing  Co.;  M'ercury,  J.  H.  Bak- 
er; Times,  Loughery  &  Van  Horn;  German  Gazette,  Erhardt  & 
Aiters;  Diocese  of  Texas,  Episcopal  Church;  Post  (German), 
H.  Deiitzel  &  Co. 

372 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Gainesville — Gazette,  Bailey,  Choice  &  Dodson. 

Gatesville — Sun. 

Greenville — Herald,   H.    E.   Monroe. 

Giddings — Tribune. 

Georgetown — Democrat,  A.  S.  Reed;  Record,  W.  K.  Poster. 

Goliad — Guard,,   Davis    &   TaJley. 

Gonzales — South   Western    Index,    W.    D.    F.    Cook;    Inquirer,    S.    W. 

Smith. 

Granbury — Vidette,  Bond  &  Garland. 
Hallettsville — Herald  and   Planter,  S.   Lee   Kyle. 
Hallville — News,  C.  L.   Martin. 
Henderson — Times,  W.  W.  Spivey. 
Hempstead — Courier,      Newman    &    Farr;      Messenger,      Riddle      & 

Hieronymus. 
Houston — Telegraph,  A.   C.   Gray;    Baptist  Herald.  J.   B.   Link;   Age, 

Small  &  Hardcastle;  Texas  German  Gazette,  Hugo  Lehman. 
Huntsville — Item,    George    Rdbinson. 
Hillsboro — Expositor. 
Indianola — Bulletin,    C.   A.    Ogsbury. 
Jacksonville — Intelligencer. 

Jasper — Newsboy,  J.  Caraway;   Democrat,  E.   I.   Kellie;   Baptist . 

Jefferson — Jimplecute,  Taylor,  Morgan  &  Co.;  Leader,  W.  Y.  Leadei. 

Kaufman — Star,   G.   W.   Clark. 

Ladonia — Courier. 

LaGrange — Nietw  Era,  J.  I.  Gossler;  Record,  Gregory  &  Phelps. 

Laredo— Two   Eagles,  J.   H.  Tucker  &  Co. 

Lockhart — News   Echo,   Farris   &   Bowen. 

Longview — New    Era. 

Marlin — Moving  Ball,  T.  C.  Oltorf. 

Marshall — Bast  Texas   Bulletin,   H.   Hamments. 

McKinney — Enquirer,  J.   H.   Bingham. 

Mexia — Ledger,  J.  W.  Fishburn. 

Mineola — Texas   Citizen,   J.   R.   Ward. 

Navasota — Tablet,   P.  A.  Smith. 

New  Braunfels — Zeiitung,  A.  Eiband. 

Oakville— Tribune. 

Palestine — Trinity    Advocate,     Ewing    &    Hunter;     New    Era,    T.    J. 

Chambers'. 
Paris — Press,    Lewis    &    Hamner;    North    Texan,     E.    L.    Dohonev; 

Religious   Messenger,   R.   C.   Buckner. 
Piano — News,  Son  &  Routh. 

Pleasanton — Stock  Journal,  J.   D.   Logan   &  Co. 

373 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Richmond — Four  Counties,  Dr.  Henry  ParnaM. 

Rockdale — Milam   Messenger,   McGregor  &  Muir. 

Rockport — Transcript,  C.  F.  Bailey. 

Rusk — Observer,  Jackson   &  Wilson. 

Salado — News   Letter,   E.   W.   Billings. 

San  Antonio — Herald,  Herald  Publishing  Co.;  Express,  Siemering  & 
Co.;  Freie  Presse  Fuer  Texas,  Siemering  &  Co. 

San  Marcos — Free  Press,  I.  H.  Julian. 

San  Saba — News,  Melton  &  Millican. 

Seguin — Guadalupe  Times,   S.  Wright  &  Son. 

Sherman — Courier,  Crooks  &  James;  Patriot,  A.  L.  Darnall;  Regis- 
ter, Martin  &  Stockton. 

Sulphur  Springs^Gazette,  B.  W.  Reiley;  Temperance  Vidette,  Vic 
Rheinhardt. 

Stephenville — Western  Empire,  E.  B.  and  S.  F.  Scott. 

Terrell— Press,  J.  T.  Walker. 

Texarkana — Gate  City  News,  J.  C.  Bayne;  Democrat. 

Tyler — Reporter,  D.  C.  Williams  &  Co.;  National  Index,  H.  C.  Hunt 
&  Co.;  Democrat,  L.  H.  Beaird. 

Victoria — Advocate,   E.   D.  Linn. 

Weatherford — Times,    Ducket    &   Tucker. 

Waxahachie — Ellis   County   News,   C.   R.   Gibson. 

Waco — Examiner  and  Patron,  J.  W.  Downs;  Register,  W.  R.  Chase; 
Advance,  G.  B.  Gerald;  Texas  Odd  Fellow,  J.  K.  Street. 


374 


ROSTER  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS,  MAY  15,   1886. 


Abilene,    Reporter.  Bellville,  Austin  County  Times. 

News.  Standard. 

Albany,    News.  Belton,  Journal. 
Alexander,   Tribune.  Reporter. 

Free  Lance.  Bennet,    New    Era. 

Anderson,    Evening   Star.  Big  Spring,  Pantagraph. 

Anson,    Texas   Western.  Black   Jack,   Post. 

Aquilla,  Gospel   Flame.  Blanco,  News. 
Atlanta,    Citizens   Journal.  Star    Vindicator. 

Arlington,    World.  Blossom    Prairie,    Bee. 

Aurora,    Tyler's    News.  Boerne,  Advance. 
Athens,   Athenian.  Republikaner. 

Review.  Bonham,   Christian   Messenger. 
Austin,  Dispatch.  News. 

Statesman.  Review. 

Sun.  Farmers'    Record. 

Texas  Sittings.  Bowie,  Cross  Timbers. 

Texas  Weekly.  Exchange. 

Southern    Homeopathic    Pellet.Bracket,  News. 

South  Western  Poultry  Raiser.Brady,  Sentinel. 

Mail.  Breckenridge,   Texan. 

El    Espector    Mexicana.  Brazoria,    Independent. 

Sunday  Avalanche.  Pioneer. 

Texas     Vorwarts.  Brenham,   Banner. 

Wochenblatt.  Texas   Volksbote. 

Texas    Churchman.  Texas   Staats   Zeitung. 

State  Journal.  Business    Bulletin. 

Record.  Brownsville,    Cosmopolitan. 

Musical   Home   and   Literary  Times. 

Journal.  Plain  Talk. 

Sunday    Tidings.  Brownwood,    Bulletin. 

Daniel's   Medical  Journal.  Brown   County  Banner. 

Texas  University.  Bryan,   Brazos   Pilot. 
Baird,  Callahan  County  Clarendon.         Enterprise. 
Bandera,  Bugle.  Temperance    Banner. 

Enterprise.  Star  and  Crescent. 

Bastrop,  Advertiser.  Blade. 

Beaumont,    Enterprise.  Burkville,  Newton  County  Record. 

375 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 


Burnet,    Bulletin. 

Once-A-Week. 
Caldwell,    Register. 

News. 
Calvcrt,   Courier. 

Seven   Mansions. 

Conservative. 

Criterion. 
Cameron,   Herald. 

Milam    County    Democrat. 
Canton,    Telephone. 
Carrizo    Springs,   Times. 
Carthage,    Panola    Watchman. 
Center,    Laborer's    Champion. 
Centerville,    Democrat. 
Chico,    Bee. 

Times. 

Cisco,    Round-Up. 
Clarendon,  Northwest  Texan. 
Clarksville,   Times. 

Standard. 
Cleburne,    Telegram. 

True    Democrat. 

Chronicle. 

News. 

Clifton,    Sentinel. 
Coleman,  Voice. 
Collinsville,   Times. 
Colorado,  Clipper. 

Sunday    Graphic. 
Columbus,  Colorado  Citizen. 
Comanche,    Chief. 
Cooper,  Delta  County  Banner. 

Courier. 
Corn  Hill,   Express. 

Clipper. 
Corpus  Christi,  Critic. 

Caller. 
Corsicana,  Courier. 

Observer. 

Journal. 


Bible    Advocate. 

Methodist    Protestant. 

Texas  Prairie. 

Democrat. 
Cotulla,    Ledger. 
Crawford,   Yeoman. 
Crockett,    Texas    Patron. 
Cuero,   Bulletin. 

Herald. 

Dur   Deutsche. 

Star. 
Daingerfield,    Morris    County 

Herald. 
Dallas,   Intelligencer. 

News. 

Home  and  Sunday  School. 

Liquor   Dealers'  Journal. 

Sunny   Clime. 

Texas    Volksblatt. 

Herald  of  Truth. 

Texas   Plowman   and   Estray 
Record. 

The    Texas    Baptist. 

Times. 

Living  Issue. 

Mercury. 

Texas  Labor  News. 

Colored   Methodist. 

Texas  Farm  and  Ranch. 

Prohibition  Advocate. 

Baptist   Preacher. 

Sun. 

Tarantula. 

Texas    Dental    Journal. 

Dept.  Mill  Gin. 

Herald. 

Del   Rio,   Dot. 
Decatur,  Democrat. 

Post. 

Tribune. 

Wise   County   Messenger. 

376 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 


Denison,    Evening   Journal. 

Gate    City. 

Herald    News. 

Sunday  Gazetteer. 
De  Leon,  Messenger. 
Denton,  Chronicle. 

Post. 

Monitor. 

Dentonian. 
Deport,  Red  Man. 
Dodd  City,   Spectator. 
Dublin,  Enterprise. 

Telephone. 

Duck    Creek,    Rustler. 
Eagle   Pass,   Journal. 

Maverick. 
Eastland,    Headlight. 

Anchor. 
Elgin,   Times. 
Edna,   Progress. 
Ennis,    Recorder. 

Saturday    Review. 

Ellis    County   Trumpet   and 

Texas  Emigrationist. 
El    Paso,    Times. 

Lone    Star. 

International    Live    Stock, 

Land  and  Mining  Journal. 

Sunday  Herald. 
Fairfield,  Recorder. 
Fort  Worth,  Democrat. 

Gazette. 

Evening  Mail. 

Trade  Review. 

Merchant  and  Manufacturer. 

Free   Mason. 

Methodist    Advocate. 

Labor  Siftings. 

Texas    Commercial. 

Texas  Live  Stock  Journal. 

Texas   Methodist. 


Texas   Rail  and  Wire. 

Texas    Courier-Record    of 
Medicine. 

Gazetteer. 

Stolen  List. 

Sunday    Mirror. 

Youth  and  Age. 
T'r,r^«^(,vjn(.    Times. 
Flatonia,    Argus. 
Floresville,    Western    Texas 

Chronicle. 
Forney,  Register. 

New    Century. 
Fort  Davis,  Apache  Rocket. 

Presidio   County  News. 
Franklin,    Paper. 
Fredericksburg,     Fredericksburger 

Wochenblatt. 
Galveston,  Civilian. 

Die  Texas  Post. 

Evening    Record. 

News. 

Opera    Glass. 

Farmer. 

South  Western  Poultry  Jour- 
nal. 

Labor   Advocate. 

Texas  Christian  Advocate. 

Silk  Culturist  and  Home 
Journal. 

Merchant  and   Manufacturer. 

Evening  Tribune. 

Texas    Monitor. 
Gainesville,    Hesperian. 

Times. 

Cook  County  Independent. 

Register. 

Garrett.   Morris   Breeze. 
Gatesville,  Advance-Sun. 

Star. 

Georgetown,  Williamson   County 
Sun. 


377 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 


Giddings,  Advocate. 
Gilmer,  Texas  Mirror. 
Glen  Rose,  Citizen. 
Goliad,    Guard. 
Goldthwaite,   Mountaineer. 
Gordon,    Courier. 
Gonzales,   Inquirer. 

Gazette. 
Graham,    Young    County    News. 

Leader. 
Granbury,     Graphic. 

News. 
Greenville,  Appeal. 

Banner. 


Post. 

Magnolia. 

Labor    Echo. 

National  Reformer. 

Sunday   Morning  Caller. 

Texas  Deutsche  Zeitung. 

Railway  Traveler. 

School  Journal. 

Houstoner   Anzeiger. 
Henrietta,  Texas   Independent. 
Hubbard   City,   News. 
Huntsville,    Item. 
Itasca,  Signal. 
Jacksboro,  Rural  Citizen. 
Jacksonville,  Intelligencer. 


Herald. 

Groesbeck,  Limestone  New  Era.    Jasper,   Newsboy. 
Hallettsville,   Herald  and   Planter.  Jewett,    Messenger. 


Hamilton,  Herald. 
Hardeman,    Mirror. 

Times. 

Haskell   City,   Free    Press. 
Hemphill,    Reporter. 
Hempstead,   Leader. 

Advocate. 

Seven   Mansions. 


Jefferson,    Jimplecute. 

Wide-Awake. 

Iron    News. 
Kaufman,   Sun. 
Junction  City,  Clipper. 
Kerens,     Light. 
Kerrville,    Eye. 
Kyle,  Hayes  County  News. 


Henderson,   Rusk   County   News.     Kosse,    Cyclone. 


Times. 

Educator. 
Hico,    Reporter. 

Commercial. 

Courier. 
Hillsboro,  Hill  County  Visitor. 

Mirror. 
Hondo    City,    Medina    County 

News. 
Honey    Grove,    Independent. 

Simoon. 

Herald. 
Houston,  Age. 

Chronicle. 

Herald. 

Journal. 


Kingston,    Chronicle. 
La  Grange,  Journal. 

Svoboda. 
Lampasas,  Commercial. 

Enterprise. 

Christian    Citizen. 

Eagle. 

Dispatch. 

Local    Preacher. 

Paper. 
Laredo,  El  Horizonte. 

Times. 

Diputado. 

Lewisvillc,  Headlight. 
Linden,   Cass    County   Sun. 

378 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 


Liberty,    Observer. 
Little   Elm,   Investigater. 
Liano,  Rural. 
Lockhart,  Register. 
Lone   Oak,    Call. 
Longview,    Democrat. 
Surprise. 

Texas   New   Era. 
Gregg   County   Clarion. 
Luling,  Wasp. 

Signal. 

McKinney,   Black   Waxey. 
McGregor,   Plain    Dealer. 
Marienfield,    News. 
Madisonville,   Journal. 
Marlin,    Ball. 

Prohibition   Advocate. 
Marshall,    Herald. 
Messenger. 
South. 

Mason,  News. 
Meridian,   Independent   Blade. 

Real   Estate  Journal. 
Mesquite,    Mesquiter. 
Mexia,  Ledger. 

Texas  Observer. 
Trade   Journal. 
Midland,    Staked    Plains. 
Midlothian,    News. 
Milsap,    Press. 
Mineola,   Monitor. 
Mobeetie,  Panhandle. 
Montague,    Northwest. 
Mineral  Wells,   Herald. 

Pilot. 

Moody,    Monitor. 
Moscow,   East   Texas   Pinery. 
Mt.    Pleasant,    Texas    and    St. 

Louis   News. 

Mt.  Vernon,  Franklin  Herald. 
Nacogdoches,   News. 
Star. 


Navasota,  Tablet. 

News. 

New   Boston,   Herald. 
New  Braunfels,  Zeitung. 

Post. 

Orange,  Tribune. 
Overton,  Sharpshooter. 
Palestine,    Advocate. 

East   Texas   News. 
Palo    Pinto,    Star. 
Pearsall,   News. 

Sun. 
Paris,    Free    Tongue. 

Lamar    County    News. 
Texas  Balance  Wheel. 
Texas  Sunday  School  Worker. 
North   Texan. 
Tribune. 

Pleasanton,  Monitor. 
Pecos,  Star. 
Pilot  Point,   Index. 

New   Era. 
Pittsburg,   Gazette. 
Piano,    Review. 
Quitman,    Mail. 
Richmond,    Nation. 

Opinion. 

Roanoke,  Telephone. 
Rockdale,  Messenger. 
Rockport,  Transcript. 
Rockwall,    Success. 
Robinson,  Advocate  of  Holiness. 
Round    Rock,    Quid    Nunc. 

News. 

Runnels,   Record. 
Eagle. 
News. 

Rusk,  Cherokee  Standard. 
Sabine  Pass,  Times. 
St.  Jo,  Times. 
Herald. 

379 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 


San   Angelo,    Tom    Green    Enter-  Temple,  Times. 


prise. 

Standard. 
San  Augustine,  Herald. 

Saxon. 
San  Diego,   El   Progresso. 

El    Pueblo. 
San  Antonio,   Light. 

Expiess. 

Times. 

Freie  Presse  Fuer  Texas. 

Der    Reobachter. 

Church    Recprd   of   Western 
Texas. 

Texas   Stockman. 

Merchant  and   Manufacturer. 

South  West. 

Figaro. 

San  Marcos,   Free   Press. 
San    Saba,    News. 
Savoy,    Platonian. 

Messenger. 
Schulenburg,    Gossip. 


Throckmorton,  News. 
Texarkana,  Inter-State  News. 

Workman. 

Master   Workman. 
Tioga,   Times. 

Toyah,  Reeves  County  Mirror. 
Troup,    Vidette. 
Tyler,    Courier. 

Democrat    and    Reporter. 

Hesperian. 
Uvalde,   News. 
Van    Alstyne,    Enterprise. 
Vernon,    Guard. 
Victoria,  Advocate. 

Deutsche  Zeitung  fuer  Texas. 
Waco,    Day. 

Examiner. 

Guardian. 

Harmonia. 

Street's    Monthly. 

Alliance  Standard. 

Baptist   Herald. 


Sealy,  Austin   County  Commoner.  Waskom,   Citizen   Index. 


Seguin,    Times. 
Sherman,   Courier. 

Democrat. 

Register. 

Seymour,   Crescent. 
Spanish  Fort,  New  Era. 
Springtown,  Pilot. 
Stephenville,   Empire. 
Sulphur  Springs,   Enterprise. 

Gazette. 

Hopkins  County  Echo. 
Sunset,  Globe. 


Waxahachie,   Enterprise. 

Mirror. 

Ellis  County  Telegraph. 

Marvin    College    Campus. 
Walnut,    Gazette. 
Weatherford,  Sun. 

Times. 

Wharton,   Independent. 
Whitesboro,  News. 
Weimar,   Gimlet. 
Whitewright,    Texas    Eagle. 

Plow  and  Hammer. 


Taylor,    Texan. 
Citizen. 


Sweetwater,  Nolan  County  Record.  Whitney>    Messenger. 

Wichita  Falls,  Herald. 

Willis,  Index. 

w;"nsboro,  Sen-tin  el. 
Thorp   Spring,  Texas   Christian.      Wills  point>  Local  Chronicle. 

Tehuacana,    Trinity    Herald.  Woodville,    Eureka. 

380 


CONCLUSION. 


And  now,  brethren,  I  have  spoken  to  you  of  the  past,  and 
I  have  spoken  to  you  of  the  present,  and  while  to  many 
persons 

"The  past  is  nothing — and  at  last 

The  future  can  but  be  the  past" — 

yet  do  we  look  cheerfully  and  with  delight  into  the  dark 
labyrinths  of  the  past,  and  in  a  crevice  of  its  rock,  moss- 
covered  and  hoary,  we  find  a  well-spring  of  pleasure  from 
which  we  will  quaff  delicious  draughts  of  inspirations,  golden 
and  bright  reminiscences. 

I  have  spoken  to  you  at  some  length  of  the  earliest  papers 
and  their  editors  and  publishers.  Of  the  dead  there  is  no  envy ; 
but  of  the  living,  aha !  men  are  so  constituted  that  as  a  general 
thing  they  listen  restlessly  to  praise  of  their  fellows.  But 
there  will  be  satisfaction  to  you,  my  brethren,  in  my  referring 
to  two  members  of  the  Texas  Press  today  actively  working 
with  the  harness  on,  who  have  never  balked  or  flickered  and 
yet  have  pulled  true  for  nearly  half  a  century. 

With  a  spirit  of  adventure  and  with  noble  self-reliance, 
a  long,  thin  and  slender  blade  of  Kentucky's  blue  grass  region 
appeared  when  the  Lone  Star  flag  was  waving,  evidencing  a 
separate  nationality,  and  in  1838  established  one  of  the  first 
papers  at  Houston;  and  when  the  town  of  Galveston  was  laid 
out  he  moved  his  office  there  and  there  has  continued  ever 
since.  Under  his  management  the  paper  became  a  power  in 
Texas.  It  was  the  first  tri-weekly  and  the  first  daily  publica- 
tion in  Galveston ;  and  in  this  office,  in  1850,  was  introduced  in 
Texas  the' first  steam  power  printing  press.  The  Civilian  in  the 
days  of  the  Republic  and  of  the  State  was  a  firm  supporter  of 
General  Houston,  and  it  was  for  the  Constitution  and  the  Union 
when  the  secession  contest  came  on ;  and  though  suspended 

381 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

during  three  years  of  the  War — as  were  most  all  of  the  Texas 
papers,  owing  to  the  tightness  of  the  Yankee  blockade  keeping 
out  paper,  etc., — it  was  re-established  in  1865  and  its  publica- 
tion did  not  cease  till  about  six  months  ago,  when  a  piratical 
black  flag  bore  down  upon  its  material  and  ruthlessly  trampled 
upon  the  constitutional  rights  of  a  publisher,  under  a  fiction 
of  law  robbing  the  old  partner  of  the  founder  of  his  "tools  and 
implements  of  trade."  I  say  "robbed/'  because  whoever  de- 
prives a  publisher  of  his  means  of  making  a  living  for  himself 
and  family,  by  any  process  of  law,  is  nothing  else  but  a  thief 
and  a  robber — and  would  have  been  so  declared  by  Judges 
Hemphill,  Lipscomb  and  Wheeler,  or  any  other  judge  quali- 
fied and  worthy  to  occupy  their  seats.  The  original  founder 
of  The  Civilian  was  some  years  since  invited  upon  the  staff 
of  The  News  and  old  "State  Press"  in  its  columns  always  gives 
useful  information,  corrects  mistakes,  talks  as  a  father  to  the 
country  journals,  and  adds  greatly  to  the  interest  of  that  sheet. 

There  came  to  this  country,  in  1835,  another  tall  and 
adventurous  young  man — all  the  way  from  the  country  of 
New  York — who  volunteered  and  who  fought  under  the  Lone 
Star  banner  and  performed  gallant  service  as  a  soldier  in  the 
revolutionary  struggle.  Subsequently  he  was  induced  to  go  up 
into  the  Red  River  country,  and  there,  in  1843,  he  raised  his 
Standard,  and  at  Clarksville  it  still  proudly  waves  under  the 
guiding  hand  of  its  founder,  diffusing  knowledge  throughout 
the  country — 

"As  some  tall  cliff  that  lifts  its  awful  form, 
Swells  with  the  breeze  and  midway  leaves  the  storm ; 
Though  'round  its  base  the  rolling  clouds  are  spread, 
Eternal  sunshine  rests  upon  its  head." 

So  unto  the  honored  heads  of  the  Cheng  and  Yeng  of 
our  journalism — the  Ionic  and  the  Corinthian  pillars  of  the 
Texas  Press,  who  have  passed  their  three  score  years  and  ten 
and  are  still  laboring  in  the  journalistic  field — today  I  make 
my  most  profound  salaam,  and  I  call  upon  the  members  of 

382 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

the  Texas  Press  to  rise  up  and  invoke  blessings  for  the  revered 
patriots,  Charles  DeMorse  and  Hamilton  Stuart,  while  "eternal 
sunshine  rests  upon  their  heads."  Truly  are  these  worthies 
proper  illustrations  and  fitting  evidences  of  our  profession. 
For  all  their  years  of  toil  and  worry  and  strain  upon  their 
systems,  what  have  they  gained — what  have  they  to  show? 
Alas !  nothing  worth  mentioning  as  to  values — the  old  news- 
paper files  are  usually  the  sole  valuables  of  a  newspaper  man ; 
and  we  cannot  but  condole  with  Mr.  Stuart  in  his  recent  loss, 
by  the  great  conflagration  at  Galveston,  of  his  entire  files  and 
papers  containing  the  best  and  most  complete  history  of  Gal- 
veston and  of  early  times  in  all  Texas.  These  men  are  the 
connecting  link  with  the  past;  representatives  of  private  citi- 
zens of  Texas  who  work  while  others  play,  and  who  make 
a  country  for  others  to  occupy  exalted  'positions  in.  Neither 
of  them  has  ever  sought  or  been  elected  to  any  office  in  the 
State,  and  yet  they  are  better  fitted  for  governor,  by  experi- 
ence, observation  and  study,  and  by  hard,  practical  sense,  than 
those  who  usually  seek  and  obtain  such  exaltation.  When 
high  offices  are  to  be  filled,  newspaper  men  are  ignored.  Is  it 
not  strange  that  in  this  country,  where  so  many  printers  flock- 
ed around  the  standard  of  independence,  and  such  a  vast 
number  of  bright  men  among  them,  not  a  single  one  ever 
occupied  high  position?  Not  a  genuine  newspaper  man  ever 
was  thought  of  for  President  of  the  Republic,  or  any  other 
high  office  in  it ;  not  one  has  ever  been  made  Governor  of 
the  State,  United  States  Senator,  or  member  of  Congress,  or 
filled  like  exalted  position.  And  yet,  you  have  never  thought 
of  this :  It  has  been  the  province  of  editors  and  publishers  to 
make  great  men,  and  many  of  them  out  of  very  shabby  mater- 
ial. The  political  manager  throws  into  the  caucus  machine 
such  scrubs  as  offer  and  the  pod  Briaerius  turns  the  crank,  and 
out  evolves  the  candidate  whose  name  is  to  go  to  the  head 
of  your  paper  free,  and  whose  claims  are  to  be  advocated  free, 
because  custom  has,  as  it  were,  established  that  the  editors 

383 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

and  publishers  shall,  alone,  of  all  workmen  in  the  country, 
contribute  their  services  "free  gratis."  There  is  no  church, 
or  party,  or  fair,  or  exposition,  or  other  thing  gotten  up,  but 
what  the  newspaper  is  expected  to  contribute  to  its  success ;  in 
truth,  almost  everything  public  or  private,  for  the  benefit  of 
many  or  of  few,  or  of  one  thing  only,  higgles  at  prices  and 
demands  a  free  notice  or  commendation. 

What  is  the  payment  we  receive  for  all  our  toil  and  labor, 
our  application  and  industry?    Many  of  us,  but  a  scanty  sup- 
port; the  best,  only  the  bread  and  drink  and  clothes  worn,  for 
"In  toils,  that  praise  could  never  buy 
You  see  your  lives  go  past." 

Our  lives  are  of  sublime  charity,  rendering  benefactions, 
doing  good  ;  the  true  philanthropists — self-sacrificing  patriots  ! 
The  wheels  go  round  and  round — revolving  time  finds  us  on 
the  tread  mill.  In  dreams,  with  our  eyes  wide  open,  every 
day  is  spent  in  a  dreamy  mood,  and  still  we  linger  and  further 
dream  of  something  bright  in  store  for  us.  What  a  vast 
amount  of  energy,  patience,  promptness,  eternal  vigilance  and 
moral  force  is  daily  put  forth  without  reward  and  with  no 
prospect  of  compensation ! 

Notwithstanding  all  this,  and  the  vexations,  annoyances, 
worriment,   difficulties,   obstacles   and   impediments,   we  rush 
wildly  on.     There  must  be  some  fascination  that  cannot  be 
overcome — some   allurement   in   the   excitement   surrounding   us 
that  takes  us  into  the  rapid  current  till  we  glide  into  a  raging, 
crazy   whirlpool   that  carries   us   round   and   round  and  back 
again.     And  still,  for  all  this,  brethren, 
There  are  times  when  the  storm-gust  may  rattle  around — 
There  are  spots  where  the  poison  shrub  grows ; 
Yet  are  there  not  hours  when  naught  else  can  be  found 
But  the  south  wind,  the  sunshine  and  rose? 
Gather  the  sweet  flowers  now  while  you  may, 
And  continue  weaving  beautiful  garlands — 
E'en  though  the  buds  and  blossoms  wither  away, 

384 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

And  your  names  be  written  in  the  shifting  sands. 

But  the  flowers  of  the  Future,  tho'  fragrant  and  fair, 

With  the  Past's  withered  leaflets  may  never  compare; 

For  dear  is  each  dead  leaf,  and  far  dearer  each  thorn, 

In  the  wreaths  which  the  brows  of  our  past  years  have  worn. 

As  the  vine  that  clings  to  the  oak  that  falls — 

As  the  ivy  that  climbs  round  the  crumbling  walls ; 

So  the  dust  of  the  Past  some  hearts  higher  prize 

Than  stars  that  flash  out  from  the  Future's  bright  skies. 

Down  the  dark  Future,  through  long  generations, 

The   echoing  sounds   grow  fainter,   then   cease ; 

And  like  a  bell,  with  solemn,  sweet  vibrations, 

Clinking  type  proclaim  Press  work  o'er — we're  at  Peace. 


385 


PART  IV. 


The  First   Great  Excursion. 
Editor's  and  Publishers'  Convention  of 
Suggested  Rates  for  Newspaper   Space. 

Officers  for  1915-16. 
Roster  of  Membership  in  1915. 
Tabular  Form  of  Officers,  Meeting  Places,  Etc. 


The  First  Great  Excursion 


The  meeting  of  the  Texas  Press  Association  in  1882  was 
held  at  Houston,  April  25,  26  and  27  and  was  largely  attended, 
it  having  been  announced  that  at  the  close  of  the  meeting  an 
excursion  would  be  taken  to  the  Pacific  Slope,  and  many  were 
eager  for  the  trip.  At  the  outset  let  us  digress  for  a  word 
about  the  splendid  gentleman  who  was  elected  president  that  year. 
His  name  was  Hal  L.  Gosling,  and  at  the  time  he  was  editor 
of  "The  Quill,"  a  lively  little  sheet  published  at  Castroville, 
Medina  County,  more  as  a  diversion  and  to  further  the  political 
interests  of  its  editor  thian  as  a  money-maker,  which  fact  he 
openly  admitted.  Gosling  was  a  university  man,  a  brilliant 
writer  and  speaker,  but  up  to  that  time  little  known  over  the 
state.  During  the  session  of  the  Association  he  had  an  oppor- 
tunity to  make  a  speech,  which,  like  Bryan's  "Crown  of  Thorns" 
speech,  captured  everybody,  and  he  was  then  elected  president, 
and  had  thte  honor  of  heading  the  first  great  excursion  of  the 
Association,  during  which  he  won  the  love  and  esteem  of  every 
man  in  the  party.  Gosling  was  a  Republican  in  politics  and  at 
the  time  was  seeking  the  office  of  U.  S.  Marshal  for  the  western 
district  of  Texas.  The  second  day  after  the  excursion  reached 
San  Francisco  he  received  a  telegram  notifying  Mm  of  his  ap- 
pointment and  hurried  home.  It  was  the  last  seen  of  him  by 
most  of  the  party,  since  he  was  foully  murdered  before  he  had 
served  in  the  office  two  years,  and  many  will  recall  the  fearful 
tragedy  and  the  grief  so  keenly  felt  by  all  who  knew  the  lovable 
man. 

But  to  thte  excursion:  It  was  given  by  the  Gould  and  al- 
lied railroad  interests.  The  escort  of  the  party  was  a  splendid 
gentleman  named  B.  W.  McCullough,  who  died  soon  afterward. 
It  was  a  "stag  party,"  no  ladies  being  allowed  to  participate. 
Leaving  Houston  over  the  I.  &  G.  N.,  the  first  stop  was  at 

388 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Palestine,  then  on  to  Mineola,  where  we  had  supper.  At  Dallas 
Col.  Ike  Standefer  met  the  train  with  cigars  and  other  things 
too  numerous  to  mention  but  which  will  always  be  remembered. 
At  Cisco  we  had  breakfast  with  "Mammy"  Hawes,  well  re- 
membered by  all  old  westerners.  Short  stops  were  made  at 
Baird,  Colorado  City  and  Midland,  all  then  small  villages,  and 
on  Sunday  about  noon  we  reached  El  Paso,  where  we  stopped 
several  hours  and  where  many  of  the  party  got  their  first 
glimpse  of  Mexico.  From  there  on  through  New  Mexico  and 
the  greater  part  of  Arizona  we  were  escorted  by  trains  of  soldiers 
on  account  of  an  Indian  outbreak,  there  having  been  a  battle 
within  sight  of  the  railroad  that  morning.  No  stop  of  any 
length  was  made  until  we  reached  Los  Angeles,  then  an  am- 
bitious little  city  of  about  25,000  inhabitants,  where  we  had 
such  hospitable  treatment,  that  the  writer  and  several  others  of 
the  party  stopped  off  there  for  two  or  three  days  on  the  return 
to  get  better  acquainted. 

Upon  reaching  San  Francisco  the  party  to  some  extent  dis- 
banded, smaller  parties  being  made  up  to  take  side  trips,  the  rail- 
road people  offering  transportation  to  any  point  we  chose  to 
visit.  The  largest  party  on  any  side  trip  went  down  to  Monterey, 
the  old  capital  of  California,  and  on  the  return  stopped  off  at 
Leland  Stanford's  great  horse  ranch,  now  the  site  of  the  great 
university.  Side  trips  were  made  to  many  points  of  interest, 
and  altogether  it  was  a  splendid  trip. 

The  writer  knows  of  very  few  now  living  who  were  mem- 
bers of  the  party,  among  whom  are  Ex-President  Milner  of  the 
A.  &  M.  College,  John  R.  Rankin  of  the  Brenham  Banner,  Fred 
Robinson  of  the  Waco  Times-Herald,  E.  G.  Senter  of  Waco 
News,  W.  A.  Abey  of  Ft.  Worth  and  G.  C.  Merriman  of  Corpus 
Christi.  Perhaps  there  are  others  and  he  would  be  glad  to  hear 
from  any  of  them. 

Another  digression,  but  in  the  interest  of  true  history:  This 
excursion  not  only  resulted  in  a  good  time  and  many  lasting 
friendships,  but  made  a  governor  for  Texas.  Dr.  Yandell,  a 

389 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

most  pleasant  gentleman,  of  Seguin,  was  then  vice  president  of 
the  Association.  On  the  trip  he  took  a  notion  to  make  his 
friend,  Judge  John  Ireland,  governor,  so  begun  a  careful  canvas 
of  the  party,  securing  pledges  of  support,  and  to  the  knowledge 
of  this  writer  offered  an  important  position  to  a  certain  promi- 
nent North  Texas  editor  to  gain  his  support,  which  promise  was 
kept  wihen  Ireland  became  governor.  Many  in  the  party  wrote 
strong  articles  in  favor  of  Ireland  and  sent  them  to  their  papers 
from  California  which  gave  his  candidacy  such  a  boom  he  was 
elected. 

This  sketch  is  probably  longer  than  our  historian  expected 
when  he  invited  the  writer  to  make  the  contribution,  but  it  has 
been  boiled  down  to  the  limit,  and  we  trust  it  will  be  of  informa- 
tion, and  likewise  call  back  some  pleasant  memories. 

FRANK  GASTON. 


390 


Editors'  and  Publishers'  Convention  of  1853. 


(Following  is  an  extract  from  The  Star-State  Patriot  of 
Marshall  in  its  issue  of  March  19,  1853,  and  for  whlich  I  am 
indebted  to  W.  A.  Adair  of  the  Marshall  Messenger.— The 
Author)  : 

The  Jefferson  Herald  proposes  the  9th  of  June  as  the  time, 
and  Marshall  as  the  place  for  holding  this  convention ;  and,  after 
a  few  words  of  admonition  to  our  friends  at  San  Antonio, 
proceeds  to  question  us  as  follows : 

"What  say  our  contemporaries  of  the  Republican  and 
Patriot?  Or  will  our  neighbor  of  the  Patriot  refuse  to  com- 
mune with  the  Democracy?  We  hope  not.  We  want  to  see 
him,  and  the  'Journal  Man'  also,  on  that  occasion  because  we 
admire  their  spunk.  And  we  might  possibly  get  up  a  revival 
and  succeed  in  bringing  them  to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth  as  it 
is  in  Frank  Pierce.  Come,  gentlemen,  let  us  have  a  convention 
at  Marshall,  on  the  9th  of  June,  the  anniversary  of  the  battle 
of  Resaca  de  la  Palma.  What  a  glorious  opportunity  for  pent-up 
eloquence  to  vulcanize!" 

What  say  we  of  the  Patriot?  Why  here's  both  our  'hands 
and  all  our  heart,  friend  Herald,  on  that  suggestion.  'Tis  the 
most  sensible  thing  we  have  seen  in  Texas.  An  editors'  con- 
vention in  Marshall  is  exactly  the  thing.  We  want  to  show 
the  editors  of  Texas  what  the  people  of  Marshall  can  do,  and 
what  kind  of  place  we  have  and  intend  to  make;  because  we 
know  then  the  world  will  soon  begin  to  understand  and  ap- 
preciate the  intelligence,  enterprise,  and  public  spirit  of  our 
people. 

Some  of  you  croak  in  dolorous  numbers  about  expense. 
Expenses?  Who  cares  for  expenses?  We  have  been  building 
Colleges,  Institutes,  Churches  and  Hotels  every  year,  and  grow- 
ing rich  by  the  operation.  We  are  now  for  Railroads,  Tele- 
graphs and  Mammoth  Hotels.  So  come  along,  gentlemen  of 

391 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

the  quill;  we  tender  you  the  freedom  of  the  city.  Uncle  Joe  is 
a  wholesouled  fellow,  and  is  under  bond  "never  to  charge  an 
editor."  While  we  of  the  Patriot,  having  a  little  patch  of  corn, 
oats  and  the  like,  in  the  country,  pledge  ourselves  to  take  care 
of  and  provide  bountifully  for  your  nags,  be  they  few  or  many, 
"free  gratis  for  nothing." 

But  will  we  of  the  Patriot  commune  with  Democracy? 
Why,  "sartinly,  sartinly,"  nabe  Grinsted,  provided  thte  young 
upstart  can  be  made  to  comb,  wash,  and  keep  its  nose  clean, 
and  wear  a  white  dicky  without  whining  over  its  punic  faith  in 
the  dear  people. 

There  are  two  other  conditions:  First,  General  Buncombe 
shall  be  left  at  home,  and  by  no  means  be  suffered  to  hold  a 
seat  in  the  convention.  Second:  If  Democracy  thinks  it  can 
not  hold  a  Convention  without  speeches  and  resolutions  to 
Buncomibe,  then  we  stipulate  the  Democracy  shall  show  fair 
play,  "honor  bright,"  and  allow  us  of  the  Journal  and  Patriot  an 
equal  chance  to  spout  out  Whiggery,  with  the  whole  Democratic 
corps  editorials  as  an  audience.  We  are  a  very  decent  sort  of 
people  in  Marshall,  and  if  the  brat  is  not  yet  big  enough!  to 
keep  out  of  the  fires,  and  can  not  be  left  at  home  while  its 
nurses  (the  editors)  can  hold  a  private  confab  as  to  the  ways 
and  means  of  providing  bread  and  victuals  for  the  little  ones, 
then  we  vote  the  convention  hall  be  decorated  with  birch.  Let 
every  one  be  on  'his  good  behavior ;  and  here  we  offer  a  sug- 
gestion : 

The  convention  should  be  held  at  that  place  where  the 
taste  and  feelings  of  the  community  are  most  in  harmony  with 
the  editor's  calling.  That  place  of  all  others,  is  Marshall.  Here, 
as  you  all  know,  we  have  two  papers,  doing  a  fine  business.  We 
have  preachers,  lawyers,  doctors  and  professors,  of  the  first 
order,  and  the  largest  number  of  students  of  both  sexes  and  all 
orders  of  attainment,  by  a  long  odds  to  be  found  in  the  State. 
Marshall  is  so  substantial,  prosperous,  and  possessed  of  such 
enlarged  and  yet  practical  views  that  we  are  proud  of  it,  and 
are  anxious  to  show  the  roo^rn  Athens  to  the  editors  of  Texas. 

392 


Suggested  Rates  for  Newspaper  Space. 


The  following  is  taken  from  the  report  of  W.  H.  Whitley, 
Chairman  of  the  Committee  to  investigate  prevailing  advertising 
rates  charged  by  the  members  of  the  Texas  Press  Association, 
the  same  appearing  in  the  minutes  of  the  1914  meeting.  The 
rates  suggested  are  thought  to  be  equitable  and  fair : 

"For  papers  with  a  circulation  of  750  to  1,000  we  suggest 
a  rate  of  at  least  10  cts.  an  inch  for  electro  matter  and  12  1-2 
cts.  for  set  matter.  Contracts  for  six  months  or  one  year  to  be 
given  a  reduction  of  15  per  cent. 

"For  papers  with  a  circulation  of  1,250  to  1,500  we  suggest 
a  rate  of  12  1-2  cts.  per  inch  for  electro  matter  and  15  cts.  for 
set  matter.  Contracts  to  allow  reduction  of  15  per  cent. 

"For  papers  with  circulation  of  1,500  to  2,000  we  suggest 
a  rate  of  15  cts.  for  electros  and  20  cts.  for  set  matter.  Con- 
tracts to  be  given  the  15  per  cent  reduction. 

"For  papers  with  circulation  of  2,500  to  3,000  we  suggest 
22  1-2  cts.  per  inch  for  electros  and  25  cts.  for  set  matter. 
Contracts  to  take  the  15  per  cent  discounts." 


393 


Officers  for  1915-1916 


President — Walter  B.  Whitman,  Holland's  Magazine Dallas 

Vice-President — Henry  Edwards,  Banner Troup 

Secretary — Sam  P.  Harben,  Echo Richardson 

Assistant  Secretary — R.  F.  Gates,  Tribune Bartlett 

Treasurer — C.  F.  Lehmann San  Antonio 

Attorney — Clarence  E.  Gilmore Wills  Point 

Essayist — Mrs.  E.  Gertrude  Gibbs,  Leader La  Feria 

Orator — W.  A.  Smith,  News San  Saba 

Poet— J.  H.  Lowry,  Signal Honey  Grove 

Historian — F.  15.  Baillio,  Deceased Cleburne 

Flag  Custodian — J.  S.  Daly,  Progress Dublin 

Executive  Committee:  C.  B.  Gillispie,  Chronicle,  Houston; 
Will  Ti.  Whitley,  Gazette,  Denison ;  Frank  P.  Holland,  Sr., 
Farm  £-  Ranch,  Dallas;  L.  Sherwood  Spotts,  Fannin  County- 
Favorite,  Bonham  ;  Lee  J.  Rountree,  Commercial,  Georgetown  ; 
Tom  B.  Lusk,  News-Herald,  Italy. 


394 


Roster  of  Membership  in  1915 


Abbott,  C.  H.,  S.  W.  Tel.  News Dallas 

Adair,  W.  A.,  Messenger Marshall 

Adams,   J.    M.,    News „ Plainview 

Adams,  S.  W.,  Wheel Ferris 

Aiken,  W.  W.,   Courier Crockett 

Alford,   R.  A.,   News Granger 

Allen,  E.  E.,  Herald Alto 

Anderson,  Geo.  S.,  Reporter Abilene 

Anderson,  W.   E.,  Advocate Goree 

Andrew,  V.  B.,  Labor  Journal Houston 

Armstrong,  Z.  Starr,  News Garland 

Armistead,    Geo.    D San    Antonio 

Arterberry,    T.    E.,    Star Savoy 

Atkins,    Geo.    H.,    Picayune Beeville 

Atlee,  E.  G.,  Democrat Marlin 

Baker,    Paul,    News Albany 

Baldridge,  Robt.  L.,  Record Clifton 

Baldwin,  A.   C.,  Tribune . Austin 

Baldwin,  Harold,  Sentinel Sabinal 

Barnes,  Chas.  M.,  So.  W.  Farmer  &  Investor San  Antonio 

Barnhill,  S.  W.,  Texas  Railway  Journal Fort  Worth 

Barrow,  D.  N.,  Progressive  Farmer Dallas 

Barry,  R.  W.,   Bee Beeville 

Beach,  H.  L.,  Light San  Antonio 

Beard,  W.  N.,  Southwest  Magazine Fort  Worth 

Bell,   D.   O.,   Sticker Schulenberg 

Bell,  Maurice,  Messenger May 

Billings,  R.  E.,  Messenger Menard 

Blackshear,  Ed  F.,  Examiner-Review Navasota 

Blackwell,  N.  T.,  Cotton  Oil  News Dallas 

Boehmer,  Jos.  O.,  News-Guide Eagle  Pass 

Boner,  C.  W.,  News Bellevue 

Bowen,  Wm.  A.,  Journal Arlington 

Bowman,  Geo.  W.,  Record Godley 

Boynton,    G.   H.,    Herald Hamilton 

Bracewell,   E.   W.,   Advertiser Shiro 

Bradbury,   R.   E.,   Enterprise Mullin 

Braswell,   Sam   M1.,   Express Venus 

Bridges,  L.  H.,  Signal Luling 

Briggs,  Waverly  George,  News Galveston 

Broyles,  D.   C.,  Concho  Herald Paint   Rock 

Buckner,  T.  A.,  Advance Kerrville 

Buie,  W.  J.,  Railway  Journal El  Paso 

Cage,  W.  E.,  Rio  Grande   Clarion , Pharr 

Callan,   Claude,   Star-Telegram Ft.   Worth 

Calloway,    Grade,    Chief-Exponent Coman-che 

395 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Calvert,   James,   Times . Wichita    Falls 

Campbell,   D.  W.,   Mirror.. _ Hillsboro 

Carlock,  E.  A.,  Post Paducah 

Carnes,  G.  L^,  East  Texas  Register Carthage 

Carpenter,  C."  M.,  Star Buda 

Carpenter,  W.  H.,  Chief-Exponent Comanche 

Carter,  W.  T.,   Herald— _'__Killeen 

Gates,   R.  F.,  Tribune... — Bartlett 

Chambers,  C.  A.,  Vindicator Liberty 

Chambers,  Lester  M.,  Tribune Winters 

Chambless,  J.  P.,  Signal ^ Snyder 

Chekal,  F.  C.,  News Loraine 

Chesnutt,    Su    D.,   Advance Kenedy 

Childress,  Miss  Carrie  F.,  Record Sipe   Springs 

Church,  Chas.  M.,  Signal Sunset 

Clendenin,  M.,  Star Burkburnett 

Coates,  D.  B.,  Chronicle Kilgore 

Cobb,  W.  M Cameron 

Coleman,  Cyrus,  Independent . Henrietta 

Collins,  Dick,  Wise  Co.  Messenger Decatur 

Collins,   W.   B.,   News Llano 

Connor,  Robt.  E.,  Enterprise Lexington 

Cooke,  W.  E.,  The  Fact Victoria 

Cooke,  John  E.,  Reporter Rockdale 

Cooper,   Tom,   Messenger Miles 

Coulter,   C.   R.,  Tribune Stephenville 

Councill,    Claud,    News Alvord 

Cousins,  W.  H.,  So.  Phar.  Journal '___Dallas 

Cox,  C.  C.,  Sun Wolfe  City 

Craig,  R.  T.,  Times Chandler 

Crisp,  A.  S.,  Star Cuero 

Crosby,  Jas.  L.,  Herald Detroit 

Cummins,  D.  H.,  Sentinel Brownsville 

Curtis,  W.  T.,  The  Central  Messenger Brownwood 

Daley,  J.  S.,  Progress Dublin 

Daniels,    M.    P.,    Daytonite Dayton 

Davenport,  J.  H.,  American ..Austin 

Davis,  John  E.,  Mesquiter Mesquite 

Davis,   Lon,   News Sealy 

Davis,  W.  S.,  Tribune Rockport 

Davis,   Sam  J.,   Courier Chann'ng 

Dealey,  G.  B.,  Morning  News Dallas 

Deer,    Zenos,    News Bishop 

Devall,  Chas  R.,  Optic-Herald Mt.  Vernon 

Dicus,  Jv.  E.,  News Bonham 

Dietze,  Aug.  C.,  Citation Karnes  City 

Dionne,  J.  C.,  Gulf  Coast  Lumberman ^.Houston 

Dixon,  Sam  H.,  Texas  Farm  and  Fireside Houston 

Donnell,  B.  D.,  Times Wichita  Falls 

Drew,    Monroe,    Herald Kaufman 

Dufepse,  W.  L.,  News - Devine 

396 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Dunkerly,  G.  G.,  Daily  News Ennis 

Dunlap,  Levi  A.,  Tribune Meridian 

Eason,    Ed   P.,   Enterprise Winters 

Easterling,  W.  C.,  Stockman Ozona 

Edgecombe,  W.  J.,  S.  W.  Independent San  Antonio 

Edwards,  R.  J.,  Record  &  Chronicle Denton 

Edwards,  W.  C.,  Record  &  Chronicle Denton 

Edwards,    Henry,    Banner Troup 

Ellis,   H.   E.,    Herald Denison 

Ellis,  W.   M.,   Press-Journal -Rusk 

Ernst,   Albert,   Zeitung Victoria 

Estes,   Jack   H.,   News Dallas 

Evans,  B.  Q.,  Free  Lance Dallas-Greenville 

Evans,   Alhley,    News Bonham 

Ezzell,  Frank  Ferris 

Farrell,  Miss   Ida  M.,   Review Glazier 

Faulkner,   G.   W.,   News Santa   Anna 

Faubion,   H.    E.,    Messenger Marble    Falls 

Findley,  S,  C.,  Ft.  Worth  Record Comanche 

Finty,  Tom.,  Jr.,   Evening  Journal Dallas 

Fisher,  Harry,  Leader Humble 

Fisk,  G.,  Post-Signal Pilot  Point 

Fitzgerald,   H.   N.,   Record Ft.   Worth 

Florer,   M.  W.,   N-ews Dallas 

Folsom,   Andrew   W.,   Democrat Corpus    Christi 

Ford,   Ben • Farmersville 

Fore,   Sam.,   Jr.,   Chronicle-Journal Floresville 

Foster,    M.    E.,   Chronicle Houston 

Fox,  R.  L.,  Courier Moody 

Galbraith,  H'.,  Transcript Terrell 

Gaston,  Frank,   News Granbury 

Gates,  R.  A.,  Record Centerville 

Gay,  J.   W.,   Advance Crawford 

Getzendaner,  F.  M.,  Leader-News Uvalde 

Gibbs,   H.  A.,  Star Harlingen 

Gibbs,  Mrs.  E.  Gertrude,  Leader La  Feria 

Gillespie,   C.   B.,   Chronicle Houston 

Gilliland,   W.    E.,    Star Baird 

Gilmore,  C.  E.,  Life  Member Wills  Point 

Goar,  L.  G.,  Blanco  Co.  Record Johnson  City 

Gooch,  Tom  C.,  Times-Herald Dallas 

Goeth,   E San   Antonio 

Goff,  C.  W San  Angelo 

Gould,  John,  Daily  Times Wichita  Falls 

Greer,  James  A.,   Gazette Gustine 

Greer,    Wyche,    Star-Telegram Ft.    Worth 

Gregg,  J.  J.,  X-Ray - Rising  Star 

Gresham,    R.   O.,    Mirror Temple 

Gresham,  O.  P.,  Pythian  Banner-Knight Temple 

Grundy,  John,  Herald Byers 

Hair,  Jas.  S.,  News— Holland 

397 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Hall,  J.   D.,   Review Rule 

Hambrick,   Emmett  R.,  Times-Herald Dallas 

Hamilton,  H.  V.,  Herald Palestine 

Hamner,  Miss  Laura  V.,  News Claude 

Haney,  E.  P.,  Tribune Wichita  Falls 

Harben,  Sam  P.,  Echo Richardson 

Hardin,  J.   Roy,   Post Kaufman 

Hardy,  J.  S.,  Signal-Light Snyder 

Harigel,  B.  F.,  Journal LaGrange 

Harris,  A.  J.,  Argus Aubrey 

Harris,  D.  R.,  Rusk  County  News Henderson 

Harris,  Will  A Dallas 

Harrison,  O.  C.,  Baylor  Co.  Banner Seymour 

Hart,  W.   D.,  Review. Cooper 

Hart,    Sterling,   Journal Commerce 

Haskell,  Fred  L.,  Index Childress 

Haskett,  L.  E.,  Index Childress 

Hawkins,  Will  T.,  Free  Press De  Leon 

Hawkins,  W.  H.,  Empire Stephenville 

Hayden,  W.  G.,  Herald ,___Big  Springs 

Hays,  Webster  F.,  Herald Mt.   Enterprise 

Henslee,  L.  P.,  Review Cross  Plains 

Herndon,  Fred  M.,  Knox  Co.  Journal Knox  City 

Hobby,  William  P.,  Enterprise Beaumont 

Hoefgen,  Wm.  L.,  Dispatch San  Antonio 

Holland,  Frank  P.,  Farm  and  Ranch Dallas 

Holland,  Frank  P.,  Jr.,  Holland's  Magazine Dallas 

Holland,   R.  V.,   Holland's   Magazine Dallas 

Holloway,  Sam  C.,  Times Deport 

Hollingsworth,  R.  G.,  Democrat-Voice Coleman 

Holford,  Will  A.,  Taylor  Co.  Times Abilene 

Horton,  Fred  E.,  Banner Greenville 

Howard,  Ed,  Times Wichita  Falls 

Howerton,  James,  Herald Hallettsvilee 

Howerton,  J.   C.,   Record Cuerq 

Houx,  N.  P.,  Evening  News  and  State  Herald Mexia 

Hoyt,  L.  T.,  Tribune Mercedes 

Hudson,   Richard,  Times Farmersville 

Hudson,   R.   M Dallas 

Hulbert,  E.  M,,  Herald Lancaster 

Hunter,    G:    O.,    Democrat Sherman 

Hunter,   E.  C.,  Democrat Sherman 

Hughes,  Mrs.  C.  M.,  Spectator Wharton 

Hurr,   Henry,  Argus Flatonia 

Inglish,  G.  L.,  Leader Stamford 

Jackson,  H.  H.,  Democrat-Voice Coleman 

Jamison,   F.   R.,    Record Canadian 

Johnson,  W.  A.,  Hall  County  Herald. Memphis 

Johnston,  Harry  M.,  Times El  Paso 

Johnston,   R.  M.,  Post Houston 

Justiss,   A.    N.,   Courier-Light Corsicana 

398 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Keist,  .Edwin  J.,  Times-Herald Dallas 

Kempton,  J.  F.,  Jr.,  Holland's  Magazine Dallas 

Kennedy,   J.    M.,   Democrat Marlin 

Koch,   Harry,   Tribune-Chief Quanah 

Kirgan,   L.   C.,   Recorder Fairfield 

Kirwan,    Geo.    B.,  Journal Riviera 

Lane.  J.  Felton,  Democrat Hearne 

Laney,   J.    E.,    Star Burkburnett 

Lawley,    Ira,    Journal Groesbeck 

Lehmann,  C.  F.,  Treasurer,  Box  817 San  Antonio 

Lewis,  J.  M.,  Post Houston 

Leverett,  W.  W.,  Signal Gainesville 

Lillie,  T.  W.,  Southwest  Retailer San  Antonio 

Lindenberg,   H.   A.,   Times Yoakum 

Linton,  Miss  Clara,  Record  &  Rustler Hamilton 

Littlepage,  F.  M.,   Blade Bowie 

Lochridge,   Lloyd   P.,   Statesman Austin 

Locke,   T.   G.,   Reporter Fowlerton 

Lockhart,  R.  B.,  Gazette Pittsburg 

Loring,  V.  JVT'.,  Mason  Co.  News Mason 

Lowry,  J..   H.,   Signal __Honey    Grove 

Lubben.  John  F.,   News Galveston 

Luker,  A.  H.,  Messenger Grapeland 

Lunsford,  John  R.,  American Austin 

Manley,  C.   E.,  Record 

Lusk,  Thps.   B.,   News-Herald Italy 

Logsdon,  Ernest,  1437  2nd  Ave , Dallas 

Manson,    Edward    L.,    Mirror McGregor 

Marshall,  J.   G.,   Morning  News Paris 

Massengill,  Fred  L.,  Tribune Terrell 

May,   R.  C.,   Graphic Leonard 

Mayes,  Will  H.,  Texas  Journalist .Austin 

Mayes,  H.  F.,  Banner-Bulletin Brownwood 

Mays,  John  R.,  Courier-Light Corsicana 

McCaleb,  J.  L Carrizo   Springs 

McCarty,  Bruce  W.,   Headlight Eagle   Lake 

McCollum,  A.  R.,  Tribune Waco 

McDougal,   H.  A.,   Courier-Times Tyler 

McConnell,    Amos    C.,    Call Vernon 

McElreath,  Frank,  Four  States  Press Texarkana 

McFarland,  M.   M.,  Avalanche Alpine 

McGuirk,  E.  J.,   Picayune . Calvert 

McKee,  Cora  May,  Citizen Frankston 

McKnight,   H.   L.,   Eagle Bryan 

McLemore,  Jeff,  State  Topics Houston 

McMasters,  C.  H.,  Tribune Galveston 

McNaughton,  G.  A.,  Herald San  Marcos 

Meoklin,  R.  C.,  Record Kingsville 

Medlin,  Will  A,  News-Times Royse  City 

Middleton,    Miss    Mattie Waxahachie 

Miller,  H.,  Bowie  County  News New  Bostpn 

399 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Miller,  S.  E.,  Index Mineral  Wells 

Mitchell,  Mrs.  Grace  I.,  Reporter Robstown 

Molloy,  T.  J.,  Times _Timpson 

Moore,  Joe  M.,  News Lone  Oak 

Moritz,   Isadore,    Monitor McAllen 

Moyer,  J.  D.,  Citizen * Honey  Grove 

Mrazek,    Chas.,    Citizen , Columbus 

Mueller,   Henry,   Volksbate Brenham 

Murray,  B.  C.,  Gazeteer Denison 

Neal,   Miss   M.   E.,    Register Carthage 

Neel,  W.   S.,   Daytonite Dayton 

Nelson,  H.  P.,   Banner Greenville 

Neu,   G.  W.,    Banner Brenham 

Nichols,  C.  M.,  Kimble  Co  Citizen Junction 

O'Neill,  'M.   E.,  Journal Frisco 

Ousley,  Clarence  N., College   Station 

Palmer,  G.  J.  Post Houston 

Perkins,  A.  W.,  Home  &  State Dallas 

Perkins,  Tom  W.,  Daily  Courier-Gazette McKinney 

Perry,  J.   S.,   Daily  Telegram Temple 

Phillips,    R,    K.,    Democrat Weatherford 

Phillips,  'C.  L.,  News Milford 

Phillips,  J.  A.,  Messenger Greenville 

Poole,  T.  R.,  Herald Greenville 

Poole,  O.   H.,   Review Cleburne 

Pope,  J.  L.,   News Amarillo 

Price,   Will  W.,   News-Mail ., Brackettvi'lle 

Price,  E.  L.,  News Odem 

Procter;  Orion,  N.  W.,  Press Bridgeport 

Proske,  J.  A.,  Volksblatt Giddings 

Pyle,   Chas.  W.,  Journal Belton 

Pyle,  O.  P.,  Journal Belton 

Railey,  J.  E.  H.,  Herald Weatherford 

Ramsey,   E.   L.,   Thorn Thorndale 

Rankin,  W.  W.,   Burleson   Co.   Ledger Caldwell 

Ransone,    Keating,    Enterprise Cleburne 

Ransone,  J.  R.,  Jr.,  Daily  Enterprise Cleburne 

Ray,    Shaw    D '. Winnsboro 

Reavis,'H.   S.,   Fuel   Oil  Journal Houston 

Reavis,  "R.  V.,  Register Malone 

Reese,    Henry,    Inquirer Gonzales 

Richardson,  A.  G.,  News w_ McLean 

Risien,  John  T.,  Chronicle Carrollton 

Roberts,  Artemas  R.,  News Waco 

Roberts,   Sam  A.,   Star Burkburnett 

Robison,  J.  T.,  Cyclone Kosse 

Robinson,  Fred  B",  Times-Herald Waco 

Roche,  F.  T.,  Sun Georgetown 

Rountree,   L.   J.,   Commercial Georgetown 

Ruff,  R.  Roy..  Record Wentz 

Satterwhite,  Ed,  Journal Wortham 

400 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Savage,  H.  B.,  News Belton 

Schless,  C.  L.,  Journal Beaumont 

Schofield,  Wm.  M.,  Post Lockhart 

Schroeter,  Alf  B.,  Karnes   Co.  News Runge 

Schwenker,    H.    F.,    Standard Brady 

Sellers,    M.    S.,    Sentinel , Brady 

Sevier,  Hal  H.,  American Austin 

Shepherd,  B.  F.,  Democrat Memphis 

Shuffler,  R.,  Enterprise Olney 

Simmons,  W.  W Gunter 

Simpson,  J.  P.,  Jr.,  Reporter., Portland 

Simpson,  Ross,  Texan Grand  Prairie 

Sledge,  A.  W.,  Banner-Leader Ballinger 

Smith,  Ben  F.,  Beacon Lockney 

Smith,  G.  Clarence,  Red  River  Co.  News Clarksville 

Smith,  J.  A.,  Transmitter Fort  Worth 

Smith,  Jos.  Emerson,  Express San  Antonio 

Smith,  J.  Frank,  Examiner McKinney 

Smith,'  J.  O.,  Courier : Elgin 

Smith,  M.  M.,  Texas  Medical  News Dallas 

Smith,  W.  A.,  News San  Saba 

Son,  J.  C.,  Palo  Pinto  Co.  Star Palo  Pinto 

Sparkman,  T.  R.,  Enterprise ;Roanoke 

Spencer,  J.  L.,  Herald Mart 

Spotts,  W.  Sherwood,  Favorite Bonham 

Stanberry,  W.  M.,  Argus Midlothian 

Stanberry,    Laten,    Messenger Forney 

Staples,  Geo.  C.,  Record San   Marcos 

Staples,  H.  K.,  Herald Edna 

Stayton,  John  W.,  Caller Corpus  Christi 

Sterett,  G.  W.,  News ____Dallas 

Steen,  Homer,  Floyd  County  Hesperian Floydada 

Straley,    W.,    News-Review Hico 

Stump,  D.  L.,  Beacon Palacios 

Tanlunson,  M'aud  P.,  Gossip Texarkana 

Taylor,  Joe  J.,  News Dallas 

Taylor,   Ward,   Jimplecute Jefferson 

Taylor,  C.  W.,  News '. —Rogers 

Taylor,   F.  A.,  Leader Longview 

Terrell,  H.  B.,  News West 

Thomas,  A.  L.,  Free  Press Winnsboro 

Thomas,  Hubert,  Monitor Mineola 

Thomas,  P.  N.,  Wood  County  Democrat ^.Quitman 

Thomas,  J.  C.,  Post Childress 

Thomas,  W.  G.,  Enterprise An  son 

Thomason,  Frank  W.,  Enterprise Bynum 

Thompson,   Clint,   Examiner McKinney 

Thompson,  R.  M.,   Eagle Goldthwaite 

Thompson,   F.    C.,   Examiner McKinney 

Thornton,  W.  W.,  Texarkanian Texarkana 

Thrash,  D.  .Matt,  Review ! Cleburne 

401 


HISTORY  OF  THE  TEXAS  PRESS 

Toomey,  D.  P.,  News Dallas 

Townley,  M.  D.,  Blade ^ ,. Lampasas 

Turner,  H.  A.,  Progressive  Advertiser De  Kalb 

Tyron,  C.  F.,  Democrat Corpus   Christi 

Van  Meldert,  Louis,  Weekly Cedar  Bayou 

Vernor,  J.  E.,  Leader Lampasas 

Vickers,  P.  T.,  Wave Port  Lavaca 

Vogel,    W.    C . Dallas 

Wade,  Homer  D.  Stamford 

Wade,.  L.    F.,    Post T Talpa 

Waggoner,   J.   H.,   Sun Whitewright 

Waggoner,    L.    G.,    Chief Miami 

Wallace,   M.    E.,   Eagle Bryan 

Warlick,  W.  M.,  Texas  Presbyterian ^Pallas 

Warren,  Joe  M.,  News Clarendon 

Warrook,  W.  L.,  News Rosebud 

Warwick,  C.  W.,  Randall  County  News Canyon 

Watford,  G.  E.,  News Lufkin 

Watson,  C.   C.,   Reporter Midland 

Weekly,   John   M.,    News Ennis 

Weimar,   Frank  L.,   Houston   Co.   Herald Ratcliff 

Welch,  T.  J.,  Houston  Co.  Times Crockett 

Wells,  J.  Claude,  Informer Hedley 

West,  W.  L.,  Polk  Co.   Enterprise Livingston 

Wilkinson,   L.   W.,   Rockwall   Co.   Tribune Rockwall 

Whipkey,  F.  B.,  Record ".Colorado 

White,    Frank   M Navasota 

White,  James  .C.,    Bulletin Brownwood 

White,   Lester   H.,    Review Campbell 

W<hitley,  Geo.  B.,  Progress Jacksonville 

Whitley,  W.  H.,  Gazette _.__Deriison 

Whitman,  Walter  B.,  Holland's  Magazine Dallas 

Whitman,  Mrs.  Walter  B.,  Holland's Dallas 

Wilson,    Walter    B.,    Democrat-Gazette McKinney 

Wilson,    C.  W.,   Index Mineral   Wells 

Willbern,   A.   H.,   Searchlight J___Llano 

Williams,  *E.  K.,  Daily  Telegram TemnJe 

Williams,  W.  J.,  Reporter Lometa 

Wilkes,  M.  C.,  News Llano 

Woodward,   Roy,   Leader Pearsall 

Wortham,  A.  A.,  Sun Corsicana 

Wortham,  Louis  J.,  Star-Telegram Fort  Worth 

Wurtz,  J.   H.,  Light San  Antonio 

Yantis,  R,  E.,  Review Athens 

Yantis,  R.  A.,  Review Athens 

Yates,  Geo.  T.,  Hesperian Gainesville 

Yates,  W-  J.,  Avalanche Alpine 

Zieske,  Richard  E.,  Times -, Beeville 


402 


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